Transatlantic Relations and Political Dynamics during the Civil War Era in Louisa May Alcott’s “M. L.” and “Pauline’s Passion and Punishment”

This paper examines the complicated dynamics of transatlantic relations before and during the American Civil War. Louisa May Alcott used newspapers not only to publish her thrillers but also to report her experiences as a nurse in the Union army. She was a strong advocate for abolition. Her stories "M.L." and "Pauline's Passion and Punishment" appeared in newspaper columns, and Alcott expressed her keen insights on the intricacies between literature and journalism. Specifically, newspapers during the Civil War era illuminate the complex interplay between economics, politics, and moral views on slavery and the independence of countries. Alcott's literary contributions, along with her comments on race, slavery, equality, and justice, further elucidated these themes. Overall, Alcott reflected the drastic changes during the Civil War era, both domestically and internationally, and the continual impacts on transatlantic relations surrounding the United States.