Moonshining and Collective Violence: Georgia, 1889-1895

Abstract

Since the 1960s historians and social scientists have demonstrated an increased interest in the role of collective violence in the nation's history. Their works vary greatly, ranging from historical narratives that merely describe violent events to studies by social scientists who have constructed models that might enable them to determine when groups will resort to violence.' One approach that has been particularly valuable was first used in studies of European history, notably those by George Rude, E. J. Hobsbawm, Charles Tilly, and E. P. Thompson.2 It can not be said that their works are based on a universally applicable approach in either methodology or conclusions concerning violence. Rather, their works represent a sophisticated and highly varied mode of analysis that has enabled them to surpass previous observers in understanding patterns involved in collective violence.