For Release
March 5, 2004

South Carolina's role in the Civil War to be discussed

          Why did South Carolina secede? Some scholars argue slavery was the primary reason for secession and the Civil War. That and the war's continuing impact on the Palmetto State will be debated at two upcoming events featuring three of the premier Civil War scholars in the country today.

          First, The Citadel's College of Graduate and Professional Studies along with the Friends of the Charleston County Public Library will present "Civil War and Peace in South Carolina: A Panel Discussion" at 7 p.m. Monday, March 15 in the library auditorium.

          On Tuesday, March 16, The Citadel History Department will host "South Carolina and the Civil War" at 6:30 p.m. in Bond Hall Room 165.

          Both panels will feature:

• Emory M. Thomas, The Citadel's Mark Clark Distinguished Visiting Professor of History at The Citadel and author of "The Confederacy as a Revolutionary Experience."
• Charles B. Dew, professor of history at Williams College and author of "Apostles of Disunion: Southern Secession Commissioners and the Causes of the Civil War."
• David W. Blight, professor of history at Yale University and author of "Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory."

          Charleston attorney and author Robert Rosen will moderate Monday's panel discussion, which is co-sponsored by the Mark W. Clark Distinguished Visiting Professorship in History.

          Both sessions are free and open to the public.

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