In the antebellum South; divorce was an explosive issue. As one lawmaker put it; divorce was to be viewed as a form of "madness;" and as another asserted; divorce reduced communities to the "lowest ebb of degeneracy." How was it that in this climate; the number of divorces rose steadily during the antebellum era? In Families in Crisis in the Old South; Loren Schweninger uses previously unexplored records to argue that the difficulties these divorcing families faced reveal much about the reality of life in a slave-holding society as well as the myriad difficulties confronted by white southern families who chose not to divorce. Basing his argument on almost 800 divorce cases from the southern United States; Schweninger explores the impact of divorce and separation on white families and on the enslaved and provides insights on issues including domestic violence; interracial adultery; alcoholism; insanity; and property relations. He examines how divorce and separation laws changed; how married women's property rights expanded; how definitions of inhuman treatment of wives evolved; and how these divorces challenged conventional mores.
#273890 in Books Ingramcontent 2016-02-15 2016-02-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .4 #File Name: 1467119792160 pagesGeorge Washington s 1791 Southern Tour
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Good read for anyone interested in George Washington!By Richard D. LangstonWarren Bingham's new book; "George Washington's 1791 Southern Tour"; is a enjoyable read. Bingham explains his passion for this subject and then takes the reader back to 1791 Philadelphia. He sets the stage with what you might call "the history of the history". The rest of the book follows Washington and crew as they make their way through Maryland; Virginia; North and South Carolina; Georgia; and back again. Filled with journal writings from Washington himself; Bingham takes what could be a dry subject and gives it life. This book is for anyone; Southerner or not; history buff or not; who enjoys a brief look at our country's early post-colonial setting. Regardless of whether Washington really slept in your town; you'll enjoy this book!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. a great book that will be of interest to touristsBy Emma WI bought this as a present for my father; who is a Washington enthusiast. Bingham's done it perfectly: a great book that will be of interest to tourists; history buffs; and scholars; too. Nicely written; informative; and fun. Three cheers!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Entertaining; well researched guided tour of the old South!By Charles W. CristWarren Bingham presents an entertaining and well researched book about our first President's travels through the South. You can use it as a tour guide to many interesting places; some small and off today's beaten paths; making it a fun experience.
