J. D. B. De Bow

J. D. B. De Bow engraved by William G. Jackman

James Dunwoody Brownson De Bow (1820–1867) was an American economist, statistician, and editor, best known for his influential magazine, De Bow's Review. The magazine, which he founded in 1846, became a leading voice for the southern perspective on political, economic, and social issues of the day, including strong advocacy for slavery and agricultural interests. De Bow's work and his publication played a significant role in shaping the ideology of the Antebellum South, promoting the idea of southern economic independence from the North.

Early Life and Education

James Dunwoody Brownson De Bow was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on July 20, 1820. He pursued higher education at the College of Charleston before transferring to The University of Louisiana (now Tulane University), where he graduated. His academic focus was on commerce and economic theory, which would inform much of his later work.

Career

After completing his education, De Bow embarked on a career that would see him become one of the most influential figures in the pre-Civil War South. In 1846, he established De Bow's Review in New Orleans, Louisiana, a monthly periodical that covered a wide range of topics, including commerce, agriculture, and slavery. The magazine quickly became a pivotal platform for advocating southern economic and social interests, arguing vehemently against northern economic policies and promoting the expansion of slavery as essential for the southern economy.

De Bow's advocacy extended beyond his magazine. He was appointed as the Superintendent of the United States Census for 1850, where he utilized his position to gather data supporting his views on the southern economy and slavery. His work in this role further solidified his standing as a leading proponent of southern interests.

Ideology and Impact

De Bow's writings and editorials in De Bow's Review championed the cause of southern nationalism and the expansion of slavery into the western territories. He argued that the South could achieve economic independence through the development of its own manufacturing and shipping industries, reducing reliance on the North. His promotion of these ideas contributed to the growing sectionalism that would eventually lead to the American Civil War.

Despite his advocacy for southern economic independence, De Bow's own analysis sometimes acknowledged the challenges and limitations of the southern economy, particularly its overreliance on cotton and slavery. However, these admissions did not deter his overall support for the southern cause.

Legacy

J. D. B. De Bow died on February 27, 1867, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His legacy is a complex one, reflecting the contradictions of his time. While he is remembered for his contributions to economic thought and his role in promoting southern interests, his staunch support for slavery and the Confederacy has led to a more critical reassessment of his work and influence.

De Bow's Review ceased publication shortly after his death, but it remains a valuable resource for historians studying the Antebellum South, offering insight into the economic arguments and ideologies that underpinned the region's push towards secession and war.

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