A new history of the causes of the American Civil War, highlighting the role played by ordinary men in the secession debate and process.

Lawrence T. McDonnell is an Assistant Professor in the History Department at Iowa State University.

Introduction: politics, chess, hats; Part I. Context: The Citadel Besieged: 1. Envisioning Charleston; 2. Wayward loyalties; 3. Bone and sinew; 4. The threat of the counterfeit; 5. The semblance of safety; 6. Rose of revolution; Part II. Contradictions: Stand Nobly Together: 7. The appearance of a solid column; 8. War of factions; 9. Carry out the great drama; 10. Men well-tried and true; 11. The noble game; 12. The soul of chivalry; 13. Nothing but cash; 14. The measure of a man; 15. A revolution in hats; Part III. Crisis: Fire and Sword: 16. One of the b'hoys; 17. A true index of character; 18. Heroes, one and all; 19. One wind lifts many flags.