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This Great Struggle: America's Civil War
Referring to the war that was raging across parts of the American landscape, Abraham Lincoln told Congress in 1862, "We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope on earth." Lincoln recognized what was at stake in the American Civil War: not only freedom for 3.5 million slaves but also survival of self-government in the last place on earth where it could have the opportunity of developing freely. Noted historian Steven E. Woodworth tells the story of what many regard as the defining event in United States history. While emphasizing the importance of action in the region between the Appalachians and the Mississippi River in determining the outcome of the war, Woodworth argues that the Civil War had a distinct purpose that was understood by most of its participants: it was primarily a conflict over the issue of slavery. The soldiers who filled the ranks of the armies on both sides knew what they were fighting for. The outcome of the war—from its beginnings at Fort Sumter to the Confederate surrender four years later—was the result of the decisions that those millions of Americans made. Written in clear and compelling fashion, This Great Struggle is their story—and ours.
424 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 18, 2019
As with any Woodworth book, he has a lot of axes to grind. What makes this different is the sheer scale of the topic and the lackluster prose. This is sad, as even lesser Woodworth books are written with verve. I do credit him for recognizing the war as being about democracy as much if not more than the union and slavery. That alone warrants an extra star. Also, as a neoconservative, he brings up some points one rarely sees in most histories, points I may not agree with but still find interesting.
Where he fails is his argument that the Union's deprivations in the South were not that bad, particularly compared to Lee's invasion of the North where blacks were captured and enslaved. Woodworth makes Sherman's march into a fun romp of sorts where only property was destroyed. While Sherman's men behaved with far more restraint than a Mongol horde, the argument seems born out of Woodworth's inability to see flaws in those he likes. In other books that would be Braxton Bragg and Ulysses Grant. Here it is the Union army. As such, I must say with some sadness that he has come down hard since his early days. It is all the more painful since Woodworth is capable of excellent work.
Where he fails is his argument that the Union's deprivations in the South were not that bad, particularly compared to Lee's invasion of the North where blacks were captured and enslaved. Woodworth makes Sherman's march into a fun romp of sorts where only property was destroyed. While Sherman's men behaved with far more restraint than a Mongol horde, the argument seems born out of Woodworth's inability to see flaws in those he likes. In other books that would be Braxton Bragg and Ulysses Grant. Here it is the Union army. As such, I must say with some sadness that he has come down hard since his early days. It is all the more painful since Woodworth is capable of excellent work.
September 17, 2024
A great place to start if you're new to the subject. The author gives us a good overview of the major events of the war, filling in details as he goes. The thing I liked most about the book was the author's bluntness; he calls it as it is. Without leaning either north or south, he posits that events in the heartland had a far greater impact on the war than previously recognized. Overall, a very good book and well worth the time.
September 12, 2018
I have never been particularly interested in Civil War history. To my chagrin, I had to take a Civil War and Reconstruction class for my degree this past semester. And I actually am really glad that I did. To my great amazement, the Civil War is an intriguing part of American history, and much misunderstood as well.
What Dr. Woodworth (consequently, also my professor for the course) attempts to do in this volume is speak about the causes of the Civil War, a history of the war itself, and reconstruction in 400-some pages. This is an incredible feat and this one volume condensed version of a history of the Civil War is a miracle unto itself. Most works that try to do what Dr. Woodworth has done in this one book would span 900+ pages. What is also enjoyable is this is a fairly easy read as well. Some of the older versions of a history of the Civil War are marked with language that is incomprehensible to the modern reader. The pictures scattered throughout also do much to give an exposition of the study.
There is much too much information to discuss about the Civil War, but this treatment is vast in scope. Beginning with the slavery issue in the early 19th century, Dr. Woodworth succinctly describes the problems the country was facing toward the midpoint of the century. Putting the slavery issue again and again off the table with the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act only fueled the outrage of the abolitionists and the pro-slavery Southerners. Presidents, legislators, Congress, and a morass of other influential leaders did nothing to solve the problem either. When Abraham Lincoln was elected to the Presidency in 1860, the straw that broke the camel’s back had been laid. Starting with South Carolina, the southern states began to secede from the Union.
What is interesting in those early years of the war is the incompetence of what would become known as the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern theater. The wily General Lee would go head to head against several Union Generals including the disastrous General McClellan (who would later go on to run against Lincoln in 1864 for President). By refusing to chase Lee and enact a defeating blow against the Confederate army, the Union generals probably prolonged the war past what it could have been. McClellan and others believed if the Union army could take the Confederate capital of Richmond, the war would be over. They were never able to coordinate an attack that even got close.
On the opposite side, the Western theater saw many more successes. Early victories by Ulysses Grant put the Confederates on their toes and never let off. The Union won resounding victory after victory. Eventually, Grant would take the fortress of Vicksburg after a long siege. He would leave to command the ailing Army of the Potomac while his protegee, William Sherman, would go on to lead the army in the west.
Grant was able to go head to head with Lee and eventually the two armies met at Petersburg, Virginia. They were stymied and set in for a quasi-siege. In the meantime, Sherman took his army and marched all the way to Atlanta. Conquering this city from the capable but aggressive Confederate General Hood, Sherman led his famous “March to the Sea” to Savannah, Georgia, enacting his “total war” theory which had his soldiers scavenge for food, set fire to certain buildings, and demoralize the southern Confederates. Similiar tales were told of his Carolina Campaigns.
It all came to a head when Grant and Lee finally broke the siege. Grant’s army was able to take Richmond while Lee made off toward Lynchburg. Eventually, the two sides agreed to meet. Lee was trapped and peace was signed at Appomattox, signalling the end of the war.
Such a brief overview does no justice to the book or to the Civil War, but it gives you an idea of what I’ve gleaned from the last eight weeks of reading this text. The strategy and logistics of the Civil War are fascinating and I recommend a thorough study be given to them. The political and social storylines are equally intriguing. Some argue that there still persist today.
What Dr. Woodworth (consequently, also my professor for the course) attempts to do in this volume is speak about the causes of the Civil War, a history of the war itself, and reconstruction in 400-some pages. This is an incredible feat and this one volume condensed version of a history of the Civil War is a miracle unto itself. Most works that try to do what Dr. Woodworth has done in this one book would span 900+ pages. What is also enjoyable is this is a fairly easy read as well. Some of the older versions of a history of the Civil War are marked with language that is incomprehensible to the modern reader. The pictures scattered throughout also do much to give an exposition of the study.
There is much too much information to discuss about the Civil War, but this treatment is vast in scope. Beginning with the slavery issue in the early 19th century, Dr. Woodworth succinctly describes the problems the country was facing toward the midpoint of the century. Putting the slavery issue again and again off the table with the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act only fueled the outrage of the abolitionists and the pro-slavery Southerners. Presidents, legislators, Congress, and a morass of other influential leaders did nothing to solve the problem either. When Abraham Lincoln was elected to the Presidency in 1860, the straw that broke the camel’s back had been laid. Starting with South Carolina, the southern states began to secede from the Union.
What is interesting in those early years of the war is the incompetence of what would become known as the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern theater. The wily General Lee would go head to head against several Union Generals including the disastrous General McClellan (who would later go on to run against Lincoln in 1864 for President). By refusing to chase Lee and enact a defeating blow against the Confederate army, the Union generals probably prolonged the war past what it could have been. McClellan and others believed if the Union army could take the Confederate capital of Richmond, the war would be over. They were never able to coordinate an attack that even got close.
On the opposite side, the Western theater saw many more successes. Early victories by Ulysses Grant put the Confederates on their toes and never let off. The Union won resounding victory after victory. Eventually, Grant would take the fortress of Vicksburg after a long siege. He would leave to command the ailing Army of the Potomac while his protegee, William Sherman, would go on to lead the army in the west.
Grant was able to go head to head with Lee and eventually the two armies met at Petersburg, Virginia. They were stymied and set in for a quasi-siege. In the meantime, Sherman took his army and marched all the way to Atlanta. Conquering this city from the capable but aggressive Confederate General Hood, Sherman led his famous “March to the Sea” to Savannah, Georgia, enacting his “total war” theory which had his soldiers scavenge for food, set fire to certain buildings, and demoralize the southern Confederates. Similiar tales were told of his Carolina Campaigns.
It all came to a head when Grant and Lee finally broke the siege. Grant’s army was able to take Richmond while Lee made off toward Lynchburg. Eventually, the two sides agreed to meet. Lee was trapped and peace was signed at Appomattox, signalling the end of the war.
Such a brief overview does no justice to the book or to the Civil War, but it gives you an idea of what I’ve gleaned from the last eight weeks of reading this text. The strategy and logistics of the Civil War are fascinating and I recommend a thorough study be given to them. The political and social storylines are equally intriguing. Some argue that there still persist today.
July 8, 2021
Very informative read as to the details behind the Civil War battles, generals, and politics. Woodworth also includes easily comprehensible diagrams of Union and Confederate movements in some major battles that are very helpful for the reader to visually follow along. Bias is not very discernible in this book, and the sources are plentiful and are most often primary ones.
May 6, 2025
Woodworth is by far my favorite historian! His writing style is incredibly expressive while able to hold the attention of the reader. He is obviously very knowledgeable and had spent a great amount of time researching the topic. I will most certainly try to incorporate more of his works within my classroom.
February 13, 2019
One of the best and concise histories I've read. Up there with Shelby Foote and Bruce Caton.
One of the best and concise histories I've read. Up there with Shelby Foote and Bruce Caton. Can't say much more.
One of the best and concise histories I've read. Up there with Shelby Foote and Bruce Caton. Can't say much more.
November 9, 2021
Sprightly written introductory overview of the Civil War, giving particular attention to the Western campaigns of Grant, and the complex relationships between the political and military leadership of both the Union and Confederacy.
December 5, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. Makes a topic I don’t care much for (the actual battles themselves) and makes it palatable. Does have a bit of a left bias though.
December 6, 2019
Good resource book.
February 13, 2017
Entertaining and written for a Civil War novice or student with limited knowledge of the subject. Not in depth enough for hard-core researchers or serious enthusiasts.
January 31, 2013
As always, Dr. Woodworth does a fantastic job in covering the Civil War. Dr Woodworth states why this war was such a defining period in our history and what its ultimate purpose was to the participants that fought for it. This book brings together the many factors and arguments for and against the war by covering all theaters and the results in each area. Well written and easy to follow, even for the novice Civil War enthusiast.
July 27, 2012
Although I have read numerous books on this topic, thsi book did have some interesting tidbits on the topic. The book only briefly discussed each major battle, but more thoroughly discussed other items.
May 25, 2011
A nice small overview of "The war of Yankee Agression." McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom" is still the best overall book on the war.
June 24, 2011
good overview. Seldom goes below the army level in describing the events. very readable. Reinforces my opinion that the Western army won the war.
February 19, 2012
An overview of the Civil War that is a great starting point for anyone looking for a general chronology. Is not as meaty as McPhearson's Battle Cry of Freedom.
August 26, 2012
Excellent story of the Civil War.
March 27, 2017
Good overall view of the history of the Civil War, with a brief look at Reconstruction. Full review up on my blog at www.wateryink.blogspot.com
November 16, 2016
Great read
As time marches on, so too the divides. A timely book, well researched and written. And sobering, oh so sobering.
As time marches on, so too the divides. A timely book, well researched and written. And sobering, oh so sobering.
December 4, 2021
I wish this was more enjoyable but I felt that it was very Northern biased. I would have liked to have seen more neutrality and the presenting of both sides of the war.
July 4, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
May 9, 2017
Read for a class at Liberty University.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews