Conversation so far:
who dominated southern politics in the antebellum era
The Antebellum South era was a period in the history characterized by the rise of abolition and the gradual polarization of the country between abolitionists and supporters of slavery.
when did the antebellum era occur
The Antebellum South was a period in the history of the Southern United States from the late 18th century until the start of the American Civil War in 1861.
did the economy of the south grow in the antebellum era
The Antebellum period in the South's history was marked by the economic growth of the region, largely due to its heavy reliance on slavery.

Question: Who was the leading historian of the era?
Self-contained rewrite: Who was the leading historian of the Antebellum era?