Proud South Carolina has not had historians commensurate with her importance to the American Union. Since 1934 and the publication of Wallace’s excellent history no worthwhile study of a long period of the state’s history has appeared, but Lander’s work possesses merit even though it covers only ninety-five years and detail is sacrificed to brevity. More than two-thirds of the text covers the political, industrial, agricultural, educational, and religious aspects of South Carolina from the beginning of Reconstruction to World War II, and in these almost eight decades the author finds no basic change in the state’s deep-rooted political or agricultural systems. Most provocative are the last two chapters which cover what could be entitled South Carolina’s second reconstruction. Since 1941 profound changes have been in process in the state’s political, economic, and social structure. As the author states, political leaders face a serious dilemma: “At one moment they vowed to maintain white supremacy, no matter the cost; at the next instant they loudly called for more industry—a natural enemy of racial segregation and much of the state’s cultural tradition” (p. 245).
This interpretive history written in a readable style contains sufficient factual material to meet the needs of readers. Although primarily political, chapters on economy and society present good essays on phases of South Carolina’s development. The author’s sympathetic approach combined with a critical attitude makes this study a valuable one.
