Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Moderate Men and Conservative Influences: Illinois and the Politics of Union, 1854-1861408 views
Author
Iverson, Ian, History - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia
Advisors
Varon, Elizabeth, University of Virginia
Abstract
“Moderate Men and ConservativeInfluences: Illinois and the Politics of Union, 1854-1861” reveals the significance of political moderation in an era of partisan extremes. Nearly all politicians throughout this period claimed to be “conservative” and opposed to radical “ultras” such as Southern “Fire Eaters” and
Garrisonian abolitionists. By interpreting this “conservatism” as a disposition rather than an
ideology, this dissertation explores how mainstream politicians in the Democratic, Know Nothing, and
Republican Parties employed a shared interpretation of American liberty, history, and institutions
to court voters whose political affiliations remained fluid throughout the sectional crisis.
Degree
PHD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Keywords
Abraham Lincoln; Stephen A. Douglas; American Civil War; Conservative; Moderate; Election of 1860; Illinois; Midwest
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Iverson, Ian. Moderate Men and Conservative Influences: Illinois and the Politics of Union, 1854-1861. University of Virginia, History - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, PHD (Doctor of Philosophy), 2022-06-15, https://doi.org/10.18130/ds58-sb50.
