America Quote by L. Neil Smith
“What happened in America in the 1860s was a war of secession, a war of independence, no different in principle from what happened in America in the 1770s and 1780s.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Historical Parallels, L. Neil Smith, 2005
The 1860s American war of secession mirrors the 1770s–1780s war of independence in principle.
In simple terms: Both wars were about breaking away from a larger entity.
Study recurring patterns in separatist movements.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- nationalism
- revolution
- policy making
- education
- media studies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives secessionist sentiment?
- How do economic factors influence independence wars?
Contextual differences affect outcomes.