"America on the Eve of the Civil War" Dr. Edward L. Ayers, Conference Chair University of Richmond April 29, 2009 8:45 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Proposed Schedule Conference Overview Speakers Registration Frequently Asked Questions Things to do while in Richmond

Register today for the first in a series of annual Signature Conferences sponsored by the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. Dr. Edward L. Ayers will bring together nationally-recognized Civil War historians for an open dialogue about the state of the country in 1859. What was happening two years before the firing of the first shots in the nation's deadliest conflict? What did people know and what were they thinking? Could they possibly have imagined the horror that was to come?

"America on the Eve of the Civil War" brings a fresh perspective on enduring issues. The program will be conducted in an interactive format with speakers from varied perspectives. Akin to news programs like "Face the Nation" and "Meet the Press," speakers will discuss events of 1859 and their effect, limiting themselves only to what would have been known at that time.

The focus of the conference will be the situation in the United States in what turned out to be the eve of the Civil War, including central events and changes of the late antebellum era. Scheduled topics include:

Taking Stock of the Nation in 1859
The United States is completing the most exhaustive census in its history and striking patterns are emerging. All parts of the country are booming, with rapid growth in the Northeast, South, and West. Are the regions becoming more integrated, though, or divergent? Will politics calm in the midst of this growth or continue to be stirred up? Will religion and reform flourish or be smothered by prosperity?

The Future of Virginia and the South
The year of 1859 saw the slave-based economy of the South at an all-time peak. Slaves have never been worth more, cotton has never been worth more, and the slave-based economy of the upper South has never been more diversified or valuable. Will these trends continue?

Making Sense of John Brown's Raid
The most electrifying event of 1859 was John Brown's raid on the armory at Harpers Ferry. Virginia's execution of Brown seems to have galvanized the North, but many white Northerners, including the Republicans, refuse to endorse Brown or his tactics. The long-term effects of the raid are unclear.

Predictions for the Election of 1860
Taking stock of the potential candidates in each of the two major parties, panelists will determine who has the best chance of winning the nomination and the general election. There is turmoil among the Democrats, the new Republican Party shows considerable strength, and strong Southern-rights advocates are calling for radical change, so predicting a winner may be difficult.

This day-long conference is free to the public, but seating is limited so plan to register early.