Michael Woods

Michael Woods is a Professor of History and Director of the Andrew Jackson Papers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He specializes in 19th-century U.S. political and cultural history, focusing on sectionalism, slavery, and the emotional dimensions of political conflict. His research bridges the Early Republic, Antebellum period, and Civil War eras, examining how emotions like indignation shaped political identities and mobilized regional conflicts.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2012
• M.A., University of South Carolina, 2009
• B.A., Whitman College, 2007

His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, as seen in Arguing until Doomsday (2020) analyzing Stephen Douglas and Jefferson Davis, and Emotional and Sectional Conflict (2014), which won the Southern Historical Association’s James A. Rawley Award. Current projects include a study of proslavery propagandist John H. Van Evrie and a critical edition of Andrew Jackson’s papers.

Research Trends: Woods’ publications trace evolving political ideologies, the role of emotions in sectional disputes, and the interplay between slavery advocacy and publishing networks. His articles in Journal of the Civil War Era and Civil War History highlight methodological innovations and interdisciplinary insights into 19th-century America.

Awards & Grants:

• James A. Rawley Award (2015)
• Funding from ACLS, American Philosophical Society, NEH

Teaching & Service: Teaches courses on U.S. political history, slavery, and emotions. Serves as Director of The Papers of Andrew Jackson, overseeing a major archival project.