Throughout the antebellum decades the slavery controversy raged. Making abundant use of contemporary materials--controversial pamphlets, reports, newspapers, periodicals, and the writings and speeches of northern and southern leaders--the author has told the history of this great battle of ideals and interests in considerable detail. Originally published in 1939. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.