Editing Gone with the Wind (novel) (section)

===Part I===
It is April 15, 1861, the eve of a [[rebellion]] in which seven southern states declare their secession from the United States (known as "the [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]]") over a desire to continue the institution of [[slavery]], which was the economic engine of the South. In one of those states, [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], the family of wealthy Irish immigrant Gerald O'Hara owns a [[Plantation complexes in the Southern United States|plantation]] (called "[[Tara (plantation)|Tara]]").<ref name=autogenerated5>Part 1, chapter 1</ref>

The oldest of the three O'Hara daughters, 16-year-old [[Scarlett O'Hara|Scarlett]], is dismayed to learn that the man she secretly loves, her county neighbor [[Ashley Wilkes]], is set to announce his engagement to his cousin [[Melanie Hamilton]]. The next day, the Wilkeses throw an all-day party at their estate (known as "[[Twelve Oaks]]") where Scarlett notices someone leering at her. He turns out to be Rhett Butler, who has a reputation for seducing young women. Throughout the day, Scarlett attempts to turn Ashley's head by flirting with every man present, including Melanie's brother Charles Hamilton. In the afternoon, Scarlett gets Ashley alone and confesses her love for him, convinced he will return it. However, he says only that he cares for her as a friend and intends to marry Melanie. Stung, Scarlett insults Ashley and accuses him of being too cowardly to submit to his real feelings for her. As Ashley departs, Rhett reveals he has overheard their whole exchange. Scarlett feels humiliated.<ref name=autogenerated3>Part 1, chapter 6</ref>

Later, war is declared, and the men are going to enlist. Feeling petty and vengeful, Scarlett accepts Charles's marriage proposal. They marry, and two weeks later, Charles goes to war, where he dies of [[measles]] two months later. Scarlett gives birth to his child, Wade Hampton Hamilton.<ref name=autogenerated4>Part 1, chapter 7</ref> As a widow, she is bound to dye her dresses black, wear a veil in public, and avoid conversations with young men. Scarlett secretly mourns the loss of her youth, not the husband she barely knew.