Abstract
This article analyzes the impact of British writer Thomas Carlyle on the Southern intellectual George Fitzhugh. While other scholars have emphasized Carlyle’s contri- butions to Southern slavery, they have so far omitted the broader scope of his illiberal effects. The author argues that Thomas Carlyle influenced George Fitzhugh’s belief in a reborn Southern nation with authoritarian characteristics. Carlyle’s writings over the decay of democratic societies along with his works on Prussia informed Fitzhugh’s beliefs in a reborn nation and what attributes this new society should uphold. Fitzhugh repeatedly turned to Carlyle to attack liberal democracy, to promote uni- versal slavery, and authoritarian leadership. Even after the American Civil War, Fitzhugh continued to use Carlyle as a source of inspiration in the Reconstruction period. This study advances the literature in delineating the multifaceted legacy of Carlyle’s impact in the American South. Furthermore, this article highlights the importance of tracing transnational illiberal networks to correct the image of Southern provincialism.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 79-97 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Journal of Political Ideologies |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 12 Jan 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2 Jan 2024 |