The book explores how overconfidence among leaders resulted in irrational, risk-taking decisions that significantly influenced pivotal events in the twentieth century. It examines the psychological factors behind these choices and their lasting impact on global history, highlighting the crucial moments that defined an era. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on the intersection of leadership, decision-making, and historical outcomes.
The Political Economy of Slavery, Emancipation and the American Civil War
The book delves into the pivotal events of the Civil War and the emancipation of four million enslaved individuals, highlighting the economic and political motivations behind the Southern states' attempt to secede in 1860. Professor Roger Ransom analyzes the contrasting efforts of Northerners to maintain the Union, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that shaped this critical period in American history.
"Provocative and compelling…[a] wild ride through Civil War history."― Library Journal What if Lee had avoided defeat at Gettysburg? What if a military stalemate had developed, coupled with growing antiwar sentiment? What if Lincoln had been defeated in the 1864 election and Great Britain had recognized the Confederacy? What would have been the careers of an independent Confederate States of America and a defeated United States?"No historian has thought through such 'what if' questions as seriously as Roger Ransom," says the Washington Post Book World . A master of historical analysis, Roger L. Ransom follows the consequences of the "what if" scenario over an extended period of time, exploring such issues as the fate of slavery in a CSA, how the economies of the USA and the CSA would have developed, and how their foreign policies would have differed. The result is a fascinating historical vision that is a source of insight into the critical events of the Civil War period as they actually happened.
The book delves into the transformation of economic institutions following the abolition of slavery, exploring how these changes shaped societal structures and influenced economic development. It critically analyzes the legacy of slavery and the emergence of new systems that aimed to address the resulting challenges. Through historical context and detailed examination, it provides insights into the lasting impact of these institutions on contemporary economies.