A Perfect War of Politics: Parties, Politicians, and Democracy in Louisiana, 1824-1861

"The protection of white men's liberty, Sacher contends, was the common thread running through-out antebellum Louisiana, and indeed southern, politics. While there were frequent disagreements on the specific sources of threats to liberty - banks, abolitionists, aristocrats, New Orleans, and immigrants were favorite targets - all voters believed freedom needed protection. Ultimately, Sacher argues, this obsession with defending independence led Louisiana's politicians, who followed the will of the people, to join their southern brethren in seceding from the Union."--BOOK JACKET.