In the late eighteenth century; the Upper Valley of Virginia experienced a conflict between the elitist culture of the gentry and the more republican values of the populace. Albert Tillson addresses here several major issues in historical scholarship on Virginia and the southern backcountry; focusing on changing political values in the late colonial and Revolutionary eras.In the colonial period; Tillson shows; the Upper Valley's deferential culture was much less pervasive than has often been suggested. Although the gentry maintained elitist values in the county courts and some other political arenas; much of the populace rejected their leadership; especially in the militia and other defense activities. Such dissent indicates the beginnings of an alternative political culture; one based on the economic realities of small-scale agriculture; the preference for less hierarchical styles of leadership; and a stronger attachment to local neighborhoods than to county; colony; or empire.Despite the strength of this division; the Upper Valley experienced less disorder than many other areas of the southern backcountry. Tillson attributes this in part to the close ties between the elite and provincial authorities; in part to their willingness to compromise with popular dissidents. Indeed; many of the subsidiary leaders in direct contact with local neighborhoods and militia training companies came to act as intermediaries between their superiors and popular groups.As Tillson shows; the events and ideology of the Revolutionary period interacted to transform the region's political culture. By creating tremendous demands for manpower and economic support; the war led to greater discontent and forced regional leaders to make substantial concessions to popular sentiment. The republican ideology sanctioned by the Revolution not only justified these concessions but also legitimated popular support for challenges to established leaders and institutions.
#750029 in Books University Press of Florida 2011-03-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .60 x 6.00l; .61 #File Name: 0813036917176 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. gives a better understanding of life in this Civil War prisonBy Artephius (.I was recently doing some family genealogy work; and discovered one of my great-great grandfathers was a prisoner in Andersonville Prison. He was shot in December 1864 and sent to Andersonville in December. He was captive there until the camp was liberated in May 1865.This book does an excellent job in explaining what life was like in this prison camp. I marvel how my great-great grandfather survived this ordeal. He was shot in the hip; then had to avoid the small gang of Union soldier prisoners that beat; robbed; and persecuted their fellow soldiers. I was pleased to read the camp Commander rounded up the small gang and had them hung. Right or wrong; the Commander was convicted of war crimes and also hung after the war.I found the book to be a very informative read; and I gained a much better appreciation of prison life in Andersonville.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Wayne L.Good read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Readers will know that facts were established by first hand accounts through letters and journals of those that experienced this sad ordeal.By CustomerLong introduction to establish legitimacy of author. Readers will know that facts were established by first hand accounts through letters and journals of those that experienced this sad ordeal.
