Faux History

Five myths about why the South seceded Number of words: 1401 By Sociologist James W. Loewen, author of "Lies My Teacher Told Me

“ One hundred and fifty years after the Civil War began, we're still fighting it -- or at least fighting over its history. I've polled thousands of high school history teachers and spoken about the war to audiences across the country, and there is little agreement even on why the South seceded. Was it over slavery? States' rights? Tariffs and taxes? As the nation begins to commemorate the anniversaries of the war's various battles -- from Fort Sumter to Appomattox -- let's first dispense with some of the more prevalent myths about why it all began.  ”

The article title got my attention. I wondered whether Loewen would deliver anything worthwhile on the subject, since it's one I've held a lifelong interest in, predating even puberty.  He didn't.  What he calls "myths" are discussions about things that no school kid is ever exposed to unless they major in History.  Subjects like the Nullification Crisis, Southern states loss of clout in the congress, tariffs and taxes, etc.  If there is any popular myth about why the War Between the States,  it's that the slavery issue alone caused it.  Responding to his 1400 word assertion would require me to review the 10 billion words, from 10 thousand books, papers, and private letters I've read on the subject, not to mention reincarnated memory, so I wont. Besides, any author who finds himself compelled to include this passage in a serious historical review gives himself away. “ "So poor white Southerners supported slavery then, just as many low-income people support the extension of George W. Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy now. ” Filed under pasty-face liberal asshat sociologist.