The Politics of War

Race, Class, and Conflict in Revolutionary Virginia

By Michael A. McDonnell | Publisher: Omohundro Institute and UNC Press

About the book

War often unites a society behind a common cause, but the notion of diverse populations all rallying together to fight on the same side disguises the complex social forces that come into play in the midst of perceived unity. Michael A. McDonnell uses the Revolution in Virginia to examine the political and social struggles of a revolutionary society at war with itself as much as with Great Britain.

McDonnell documents the numerous contests within Virginia over mobilizing for war — struggles between ordinary Virginians and patriot leaders, between the lower and middle classes, and between blacks and whites. From these conflicts emerged a republican polity rife with racial and class tensions.

Looking at the Revolution in Virginia from the bottom up, The Politics of War demonstrates how contests over waging war in turn shaped society and the emerging new political settlement. With its insights into the mobilization of popular support, the exposure of social rifts, and the inversion of power relations, McDonnell’s analysis is relevant to any society at war.

Editions of The Politics of War

Hardcover
ISBN 9780807831083
Paperback
ISBN 9780807871553
EBook
ISBN 9781469601076
EBook
ISBN 9798890875358
EBook
ISBN 9780807839041
PDF
ISBN 9798890875341

Read an Excerpt

War often unites a society behind a common cause, but the notion of diverse populations all rallying together to fight on the same side disguises the complex social forces that come into play in the midst of perceived unity. Michael A. McDonnell uses the Revolution in Virginia to examine the political and social struggles of a revolutionary society at war with itself as much as with Great Britain.

McDonnell documents the numerous contests within Virginia over mobilizing for war — struggles between ordinary Virginians and patriot leaders, between the lower and middle classes, and between blacks and whites. From these conflicts emerged a republican polity rife with racial and class tensions.

Looking at the Revolution in Virginia from the bottom up, The Politics of War demonstrates how contests over waging war in turn shaped society and the emerging new political settlement. With its insights into the mobilization of popular support, the exposure of social rifts, and the inversion of power relations, McDonnell’s analysis is relevant to any society at war.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Politics of War about?

War often unites a society behind a common cause, but the notion of diverse populations all rallying together to fight on the same side disguises the complex social forces that come into play in the midst of perceived unity. Michael A. McDonnell uses the Revolution in Virginia to examine the political and social struggles of a revolutionary society at war with itself as much as with Great Britain.

McDonnell documents the numerous contests within Virginia over mobilizing for war — struggles between ordinary Virginians and patriot leaders, between the lower and middle classes, and between blacks and whites. From these conflicts emerged a republican polity rife with racial and class tensions.

Looking at the Revolution in Virginia from the bottom up, The Politics of War demonstrates how contests over waging war in turn shaped society and the emerging new political settlement. With its insights into the mobilization of popular support, the exposure of social rifts, and the inversion of power relations, McDonnell’s analysis is relevant to any society at war.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Politics of War?

History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas

Where can I read a sample of The Politics of War?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807831083

How long is The Politics of War and how many pages does it have?

The Politics of War has 568 page(s)

Is The Politics of War part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Politics of War?

Michael A. McDonnell

Who is the Publisher of the book The Politics of War?

Omohundro Institute and UNC Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Politics of War is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807831083) and paperback(ISBN 9780807871553) and ebook(ISBN 9781469601076) and ebook(ISBN 9798890875358) and ebook(ISBN 9780807839041) and pdf(ISBN 9798890875341)

Where can I buy The Politics of War online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy The Politics of War from below

Where can I buy The Politics of War?