Declarations of Independence: Encyclopedia of American Autonomous and Secessionist Movements

From tax rebels to religious dissidents, it's amazing that the United States of America haven't fallen apart, though it has not been for lack of trying. While the Confederate States of America is the best-known secessionist movement in our history, the South is far from the only example of Americans' declaring independence from Washington DC and the federal government.

From runaway slaves to religious visionaries, from Native Americans to tax-shelter seeking wealthy, the quest for political, religious, and economic independence has been a constant force in our country over the centuries. Eighty secessionist and autonomy movements and their stories are gathered in one spot for the first time ever.

In this looking-glass version of U.S. history students and researchers will read about states that prefered to not join the Union, islanders who declare their independence to prove a political point, Native Americans trying to remain free from White domination, and Utopians seeking to create a new and more perfect society apart from the old.

All entries conclude with suggested further readings and relevant Web sites. The work is cross-referenced and fully indexed.