![]() Only after the fall of Atlanta and Philip Sheridan’s destruction of Jubal Early’s army could Lincoln feel confident in his reelection bid because the people could then see the possibility of Union victory (858). Battlefield successes influenced politics. McPherson describes the war from tactical, operational, and strategic perspectives, showing the relationship between each and how, like Clausewitz’s simplified trinity, the government and the people influenced military operations. Instead, readers versed in strategic theory can test their expertise by recognizing timeless edicts about politics, warfare, and human nature. McPherson’s masterpiece is never prescriptive or pedantic. The outcome hinged on a few major turning points, yet throughout the conflict, both sides faced military hardships on a scale never seen before. Soldiers and civilians alike experienced elation and suffering throughout the war. America faced economic problems too – the Panic of 1857, a shrinking Union economy early in the war, and an inflation rate never repeated since. The slavery issue violently divided political parties, sparked many riots across the country, and led to a barroom-style brawl in the U.S. Tracing the roots of the slavery debate, McPherson pulls readers through the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott case, and the tensions that resulted from each decision. By weaving together events and accounts of those who lived through them, McPherson helps give a fuller picture of this era.įor readers who can’t imagine a more difficult time in America than now, this tale might ease their concerns about America’s current woes. He depicts principal characters with their merits and flaws. McPherson dismantles the Lost Cause myth and accurately describes the root cause for the war – the South’s desire to protect and expand the institution of slavery (7-8). He provides a comprehensive chronicle of Union and Confederate individuals, policies, social climate, and military campaigns through the end of the war in 1865. McPherson’s narrative begins in the mid-19th century and traces the events that led to the division of the Union in 1861. ![]() Questions raised about the proportion of space devoted to military events of this period might be considered in light of these facts (xviii).” Vann Woodward provides a compelling reason in his editor’s introduction: “There are numerous criteria at hand for rating the comparative magnitude of wars … One simple and eloquent measurement is the numbers of casualties sustained … And in the final reckoning, American lives lost in the Civil War exceed the total of those lost in all other wars the country has fought added together, world wars included. Why should such a large volume cover such a short period? C. Of all the books in The Oxford History of the United States, only this one is dedicated to a single war. It describes the ultimate crucible in the American experience – the Union’s fight to save the nation and emancipate those in bondage. This Pulitzer-winning book’s length might seem daunting, but McPherson’s excellent writing makes it an easy read packed with essential lessons for readers of all backgrounds. ![]() It is an excellent starting point for those interested in learning more about the Civil War period. James McPherson’s Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is one book that should not be collecting dust on any shelf. With so many books about the Civil War, we often forget to give the great ones the attention that they deserve. Before speculating about another civil war, one should properly understand the first – the reasons for it, its conduct, and its legacy. Even so, several polls indicate that a growing number of Americans believe political, class, and racial divisions are worsening and that America is on the verge of a second civil war. military banned the flag from being displayed on installations. Mississippi’s governor removed the Confederate symbol from its state flag. Instead of ignoring issues, like in the past, some states and institutions took it upon themselves to enact change. Protestors destroyed Confederate monuments while others peacefully persuaded public officials to remove them. Long-simmering racial tensions, rooted in America’s slave-owning past, boiled over after George Floyd died. Many of the tumultuous events in the past few months can trace their origins to the Civil War.
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