Smith discusses the doctrine of state sovereignty, as defended by Alexander Stephens, Thomas Jefferson, and John C. Calhoun.

Smith discusses plans for the abolition of slavery by radical members of the Republican Party.

Smith discusses some of the very few abolitionists who defended the right of southern states to secede from the Union.

Smith examines Lincoln’s views on slavery and some of his many disagreements with abolitionists.

Smith explains why Spooner believed that defending the unconstitutionality of slavery was essential to abolitionism.

Smith summarizes the arguments of delegates as to whether the slave trade should be prohibited in the Constitution.

Smith explains some features of the slave trade and the constitutional provision that it would not be banned in America for at least 20 years.

Smith discusses some controversies over slavery during the framing of the Constitution, especially the three-fifths clause.

Smith discusses some major controversies provoked by the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Smith discusses some early justifications of slavery and how they repudiated natural rights.

Smith details the scholarly debate between Lysander Spooner and Wendell Phillips over the constitutionality of slavery.

Smith discusses the schism in the abolitionist movement over the constitutionality of slavery, and he begins his analysis of Lysander Spooner’s arguments in The Unconstitutionality of Slavery.

Smith begins his explanation of why so many abolitionists joined the crusade for the legal prohibition of alcohol.

Smith concludes his discussion of the no-voting theory of Wendell Phillips by explaining Phillips’s attitude toward taxes and the limits of democracy.

Smith discusses some similarities between the anti-political abolitionists and contemporary voluntaryists. 

Smith discusses the split in the American Anti-Slavery Society over voting, equal rights for women, and other causes.

The ideal of individual freedom is more than a will-o’-the-wisp. It was widely appreciated in the past and so may become widely appreciated in the future.

Smith explains why Garrison, an avowed pacifist, supported the North during the Civil War.