In this thesis, the distinction between ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism is questioned through a study of sources from the Confederate States government during the American Civil War. Key...Show moreIn this thesis, the distinction between ethnic nationalism and civic nationalism is questioned through a study of sources from the Confederate States government during the American Civil War. Key concepts in this study are 'othering', 'framing' and theories from heritage studies. The main conclusion is that Confederate nationalism cannot be defined solely as ethnic or civic. The creation of Confederate nationalism is a continuously changing process and can be adjusted to support various differing narratives.Show less
Between January and April 1861, in the wake of Abraham Lincoln's election, the seceding lower South states sent five secession commissioners to Virginia to persuade the Virginians to secede and...Show moreBetween January and April 1861, in the wake of Abraham Lincoln's election, the seceding lower South states sent five secession commissioners to Virginia to persuade the Virginians to secede and join in forming the Confederacy. This study examines why all but one failed to achieve their goal. While this thesis only gives a partial answer, it sheds light on a number of complexities regarding both the commissioners' efforts and Virginia's secession crisis.Show less
