Origins of the Old South: Revolution, Slavery, and Society (1776-1800)

This dissertation, "Origins of the Old South: Revolution, Slavery, and Changes in Southern Society, 1776-1800," examines the profound impact of the American Revolution on the institution of slavery and the reshaping of Southern society. It argues that the Revolution presented a significant challenge to slavery, with revolutionary ideals fueling antislavery sentiment and creating opportunities for slaves to challenge their bondage. The study merges social, military, and economic history to demonstrate how the war transformed the Southern states, leading to the rise of a new class of merchant planters and significant changes in black life. It explores the experiences of enslaved people after the war, the brief period of antislavery sentiment, and the subsequent expansion of slavery driven by state governments. This work highlights the complex interplay of revolution, slavery, and social change in the formation of the Old South.