The Southern South

"The Southern South" by Albert Bushnell Hart is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the complexities and unique characteristics of Southern society, particularly concerning race relations, economic conditions, and the social dynamics influenced by a history of slavery. Hart, a professor of history at Harvard University, aims to provide insights into the South's distinct cultural identity within the larger context of the United States. At the start of the book, Hart sets the stage by discussing the vital themes of Americanism and regional identity, outlining the South's notable differences from the North. He emphasizes the significance of historical factors such as the Civil War and traditions of slavery in shaping the South's social fabric. Hart draws attention to the complexities of the Southern "problem," particularly concerning the duality of its White and Negro populations, and the ongoing effects of these historical legacies. He shares his personal experiences and observations as an outsider who has sought to understand these dynamics through extensive travels and interactions with Southern communities, intending to characterize the South as a distinct entity shaped by its unique history and challenges. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Albert Bushnell Hart was an American historian, writer, and editor based at Harvard University. One of the first generation of professionally trained historians in the United States, a prolific author and editor of historical works, Albert Bushnell Hart became, as Samuel Eliot Morison described him, "The Grand Old Man" of American history, looking the part with his "patriarchal full beard and flowing moustaches."