"Historic Papers on the Causes of the Civil War" by Eugenia Dunlap Potts is a seminal work of historical analysis that delves into the complex factors leading to the American Civil War. Potts meticulously examines the causes of this pivotal moment in American history, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the political tensions, sectionalism, and ideological divisions that ultimately resulted in conflict between the Confederacy and the Union. Through detailed historical analysis, Potts explores key issues such as slavery, secession, and states' rights, shedding light on the antebellum South and its role in shaping the course of the nation. Her insightful examination of these historic papers provides valuable insights into the root causes of the Civil War and its lasting impact on American society. As a work of American history, "Historic Papers on the Causes of the Civil War" stands as a testament to Potts' scholarship and dedication to understanding the complexities of this tumultuous period. From the debates over slavery to the challenges of Reconstruction, Potts' work offers readers a compelling narrative that illuminates the multifaceted nature of the Civil War's origins and aftermath.
Eugenia Dunlap Potts was a writer from Lancaster, Kentucky. She owned and edited The Illustrated Kentuckian. She wrote both poetry and historical works. The State of Kentucky recognized Potts' efforts as a Kentucky novelist with a plaque outside her former house. Potts was born in Lancaster, Kentucky, as the daughter of lawyer and statesman George W. Dunlap and Nancy (Nannie) E. Jennings. She graduated from the Franklin Female Institute in Lancaster. She also went to a finishing school in Philadelphia, where she studied piano and French. Her "Song of Lancaster" was described as a "metrical history after the style of Hiawatha". Longfellow expressed his approval in correspondence with her. She also wrote an essay titled "Women's Work in Kentucky". In May 1892, Potts became a member of the Illustrated Kentuckian, a new monthly journal centered on "literature, education, and art". The paper was run by a New York journalist, Ben La Bree; Potts joined the editorial staff and was in charge of the "belles lettres and social features". The newspaper was subsequently relocated to Louisville and renamed the Illustrated South.
