the american civil war _ to kill a mockingbird?

Question

how does the american civil war help in understanding some of the REASONS for racial tension in Maycomb in 'To Kill A Mockingbird'??

Answer 1

Pre-Civil War, much of the white attitude toward blacks, was paternalistic. Also, the black attitude toward white people was one of subservience. Another attitude, or belief, was that all black men wanted to be with white women (strangely, just the opposite is true as evidenced by the bi-racial children fathered by white men). These attitudes hang on to this very day.

But during the time of the book, there was not any racial tension in Maycomb until the charges, then there was tension but it was primarily from the black sector. The jurors, white men all, reacted to Maybelle's taunt, and convicted despite obvious signs of innocence. (The 3rd belief above.) Atticus takes it upon himself to not only defend Tom, but assists in getting help from the church, and then notifies the family when Tom is killed. (The 1st attitude above.)

The 3rd belief is a bit more complicated because Maybelle brings it on herself but is caught by her daddy. To salvage his dignity, he accuses Tom of rape. To salvage her dignity, Maybell goes along. Tom of course, during the episode, is terrified. Consequently, he acquiesces (is subservient, 2nd belief) quietly during the trial. Hope this helps. Read the book, darling. It will stay with you your whole life...

Answer 2

Why not get off the computer and READ THE BOOK, " To Kill a Mockingbird" or, at the very least, watch the movie with Gregory Peck! Mockingbird is about a white lawyer in the south, defending an obviously innocent black man. The defendant's verdict and what happens afterward are the focus of mockingbird.

Following the American Civil War, attitudes against blacks, now free, in the old south, caused racial tensions.