Hey Historians, My senior research seminar in U.S. History requires me to review the historiography of the causes of the American Civil War. I understand the amount of authors and works related to this is extensive. This is why I am asking if any of you can direct me on where to start. I only have the rest of the semester to research as much historiography on the causes of the ACW as I can, so I'm hoping someone can give me a list of essentials to understanding how Historians' views on the causes of the ACW have changed through the years. Who's works are absolutely essential in understanding this historiography and who is their opposition. I've started with Kenneth Stampp's "Causes of the Civil War" and Frank Towers' essay in the Journal of the Civil War Era, and am thinking of delving into Ulrich B. Phillips, Charles A Beard, David Potter, and David Blight. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Pick up a copy of Michael Perman's Emancipation and Reconstruction. It's a very short book, but the even shorter intro (less than 10pp, IIRC,) contains a great overview of the various movements in Civil War historiography.
In terms of individual books, don't forget McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom. IMO, it's still the best on the topic, and the lengthy intro provides the enterprising but time-crunched student with a very nice summation/refutation/support for numerous other works. The book is a thick beast, but it's great. Heck, if you're thinking of tackling Blight, it should be easy.