War often unites a society behind a common cause, but the notion of
diverse populations all rallying together to fight on the same side
disguises the complex social forces that come into play in the midst of
perceived unity. Michael A. McDonnell uses the Revolution in Virginia to
examine the political and social struggles of a revolutionary society at
war with itself as much as with Great Britain.
McDonnell documents the numerous contests within Virginia over
mobilizing for war--struggles between ordinary Virginians and patriot
leaders, between the lower and middle classes, and between blacks and
whites. From these conflicts emerged a republican polity rife with
racial and class tensions.
Looking at the Revolution in Virginia from the bottom up, The Politics
of War demonstrates how contests over waging war in turn shaped society
and the emerging new political settlement. With its insights into the
mobilization of popular support, the exposure of social rifts, and the
inversion of power relations, McDonnell's analysis is relevant to any
society at war.