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Unification of a Slave State: The Rise of the Planter Class in the South Carolina Backcountry, 1760-1808

by Rachel N. Klein

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This book describes the turbulent transformation of South Carolina from a colony rent by sectional conflict into a state dominated by the South's most unified and politically powerful planter leadership. Rachel Klein unravels the sources of conflict and growing unity, showing how a deep commitment to slavery enabled leaders from both low- and backcountry to define the terms of political and ideological compromise. The spread of cotton into the backcountry, often invoked as the reason for show more South Carolina's political unification, actually concluded a complex struggle for power and legitimacy. Beginning with the Regulator Uprising of the 1760s, Klein demonstrates how backcountry leaders both gained authority among yeoman constituents and assumed a powerful role within state government. By defining slavery as the natural extension of familial inequality, backcountry ministers strengthened the planter class. At the same time, evangelical religion, like the backcountry's dominant political language, expressed yet contained the persisting tensions between planters and yeomen. Klein weaves social, political, and religious history into a formidable account of planter class formation and southern frontier development. show less

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Rachel N. Klein

2+ Works 55 Members

Awards and Honors

Awards

Francis Butler Simkins Award (1991)

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Important places: South Carolina, USA

Classifications

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics and Government, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS: 975.7 — History & geography History of North America Southeastern United States (South Atlantic states) South Carolina
LCC: F272 .K56 — Local History of the United States, Canada and Latin America United States local history South Carolina
BISAC: HIS HISTORY United States State & Local South (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)

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Members: 51
Popularity: 594,043
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Languages: English
Media: Paper, Ebook
ISBNs: 5
ASINs: 3

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Published: 1990
Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics and Government, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS: 975.7
LCC: F272 .K56

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Rachel N. Klein

2+ Works 55 Members

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