First published in 1950 and long sought by collectors and historians, South Carolina Goes to War, 1860-1865 stands as the only institutional and political history of the Palmetto State's secession from the Union, entry into the Confederacy, and management of the war effort. Charles Edward Cauthen's germinal study offers a thorough examination of the state's political leadership and policymaking during the secession crisis and the subsequent four years of war. Notable for its attention to the precursors of war too often neglected in other studies, the volume devotes half of its chapters to events predating the firing on Fort Sumter and pays significant attention to the Executive Councils of 1861 and 1862. This edition features a new introduction by J. Tracy Power summarizing the political climate that characterized South Carolina's departure from the Union and entrance into war, and examining the significance of Cauthen's book within the context of its initial creation and reception.

Originally published: Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press, 1950, in series: The James Sprunt studies in history and political science ; v. 32. "Published in cooperation with the Institute for Southern Studies of the University of South Carolina."

The secession movement before 1860 -- The presidential election of 1860 -- Propaganda on the eve of secession -- South Carolina's decision to lead -- Independence declared -- The republic of South Carolina -- Forts diplomacy -- Preparations for war -- The war begins -- The Executive Council -- Abolition of the council -- Conscription -- Impressment of Negroes and supplies -- State finance in war time -- South Carolina and the Davis government -- Despair and defeat.