This section of our Archive is most like a traditional history book. It tells the story of the major national political events that occurred between October 1859 and April 1861. While the entries concentrate on the national perspective, they also pay atte n tion to local events and responses. The sections are arranged on the following navigation bar:

John Brown describes John Brown's October 1859 raid on the Federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. It is the most detailed of these sections, and contains extensive reports, narratives, and reactions in both Franklin and Augusta.

Party Conventions covers the various nominating conventions--Democratic, Republican, and Constitutional Union--during the spring and summer of 1860.

Lincoln's Election is about the 1860 election and reaction to it, both nationally and locally.

Secession is about the secession of the Lower South during the winter of 1860-1861. It also touches upon the formation of the Confederate government in Montgomery and various attempts to keep the Union together.

War Begins describes the events of March and April 1861, beginning with Lincoln's Inauguration, and continuing through the firing on Fort Sumter, the declarations of War, and the beginnings of local mobilization.

Go to "The Eve of War" Contents

Go to "The War Years" Contents

Go to "Interpretations" Contents