The South Was Right! [Hardcover]

James Ronald Kennedy (Author), Walter Donald Kennedy (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 31, 1994

An authoritative and documented study of the mythology behind Civil War history, clearly exhibiting how the South was an independent country invaded, captured, and still occupied by a vicious aggressor.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The South Was Right! is also available from Pelican as an unabridged twelve-hour audiocassette recording.

About the Author

Descendants of Civil War soldiers, twin brothers James Ronald Kennedy and Walter Donald Kennedy have held posts with the Sons of Confederate Veterans for several years. Both also are founding members of the League of the South. In their spare time, the brothers enjoy participating in reenactments of Civil War battles. They are also the authors of The South Was Right! and Why Not Feedom!: America's Revolt Against Big Government, both published by Pelican.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 431 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing; 2nd edition (March 31, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565540247
• ISBN-13: 978-1565540248
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.3 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (248 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > History > Americas > United States > Civil War > Confederacy

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

176 of 217 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This review was written by a Yankee!!!.... November 30, 2005

By Todd Bovair

Format:Hardcover

...Born and bred in upstate NY. I am also civil war buff. This book is extremely important, for the fact of the matter is that MOST of the history that is taught today is WRONG. Not wrong in the general outcomes/ what happened sort of way, but wrong in explaining the TRUE motivations of the involved parties, as well as glossing over less-than savory events and dirty little secrets. The American Civil War is one of the most misunderstood events in our nation's history, and most of the misunderstanding is from Americans themselves! What we are taught about the Civil War here in the U.S. does not accurately explain what really happened (and don't even get me started on how we turn normal men into unstained 'heroes'). This book gets 5 stars for its fresh approach (how many more volumes of standard Civil War history can we stomach? There are already tens of thousands!) and because it raises questions on what you thought you "knew" about the Civil War.
Let me make it clear that this book does not defend or make a case for slavery. The authors concede right off the bat that slavery was disgusting. What the authors DO defend is the motivations of the vast majority of Southerners (and it isn't to uphold slavery), and what the authors attack is the North's (and more specifically, Lincoln's) motivations (and it isn't to free their fellow man). While I don't agree with about half of their observations, I ABSOLUTELY concur with their conclusions about Lincoln. Yes, he was a great man, but he was NOT the man we have been taught to believe he was. If nothing else, reading this book will give you a fresh take on an event that we still feel the repercussions from almost 150 years later. This book is a must read for anyone interested in The American Civil War.... Read it for yourself and then decide whose version of history sounds correct. Read more ›

111 of 139 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I actually read this book, prior to review ... March 13, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

After purchasing the book through Amazon.Com and reading it, I could only wonder how many of the other reviewers had done the same! Yes, the authors refer to pro-union persons as Yankees frequently. I wonder if anyone has ever noticed how offensive the term "rebel" can be when used ad nauseam in a work? The authors do not use the term yankee with the vitriole other reviewers would have one believe but rather to call attention to the fact how desensitized our culture has become to the overly casual use of the terms "rebel" and "Civil War". Secessionist? Definitely. War for Southern Independence? Without a doubt. However, it will be odd to the enlightened observer that our culture commonly uses the term "rebel" as a perjorative, yet is offended by the same use of the collective "yankee". Truth be told, the war was not a Civil War, had it been, both armies would have fought for control of a central government. This was a war of secession, one nation (The Confederate States) seeking to remove itself from a seperate, sovereign nation just as the colonies had done with England and King George ninety years before. The authors point out with authority and documentation that the Constitution of The Confederate States of America forbade the further importation of slaves. The authors further document and narrate that the majority of slaves were not beaten and ill treated by slave owners as others would have one believe and that, all things considered, slavery was not the primary cause behind the war, as race relations were, if anything, more strained in the north than they were in the south. The authors do a good job underscoring the fact that they are not pro-slavery nor do they advocate a return to such a system.... They do, however, show that the South in 1861 had evolved into a seperate economy and culture than that of the North, BOTH of which would later have to come to terms with the spectre of slavery. En toto, the authors show that the Confederacy was acting as a sovereign nation, in the tradition of their grandfathers, seeking to preserve personal liberty and the right to govern themselves as they best saw fit. The book is a must read for anyone who wishes an understanding not only of the motivation of the Confederacy but also of how we have come to have the all-powerful Federal governemnt running (nearly) unchecked in Washington today. Read more ›

130 of 166 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Political Science Book May 7, 2002

By Jared Orth

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Although there are many people who seem to think that the authors are racist or ignorant, the bashers must admit that this book makes you think. The Kennedys do a great job showing that the War Between the States was NOT about slavery! If you doubt that statement, read the Bell Wiley books "The Life of Johnny Reb" and "The Life of Billy Yank", which show the thoughts of the common soldier of the Union and the Confederacy (then ask yourself which were the racists).

The Kennedys explain in depth the political turmoil that existed in the United States up to and immediately after the War Between the States. They also back up the lawful ways the Southern States yearned for what the Constitution promised. They even offer proof that the Apartheid that other reviewers are convinced would have resulted from the South succeeding in its quest for states rights was actually what Lincoln wanted while a Congressman and President.

You don't have to agree with the Kennedys but you'll be better off in arguing whichever side you choose in the matter of states rights after reading this book.

55 of 70 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Provides much food for thought April 29, 2002

By Bobby Dillard

Format:Hardcover

To be honest, the book is strongly biased towards the Confederate cause (as if the title didn't already establish that). This bias is as solid for the Confederacy as books like "Lies Across America" are biased towards the Union. With that being said, however, this book provides much food for thought with many facts that are put forth. Before reading this book, I couldn't imagine that any black person would side with the South during the Civil War. My history texts in school derided the idea. However, the authors' evidence as well as more that I've found in related readings show that there were indeed pro-CSA blacks. This infuriates other historians who for some reason cannot accept this. However, the facts are there.

This book is a must for anyone interested in the Civil War.