The Civil even today, it is arguably the most divisive subject in American history. Why did the southern states secede from the Union? What did the north hope to achieve by fighting against the south? Was Abraham Lincoln really an abolitionist? Why is Ulysses S. Grant the most famous Union general, when he didn’t take command of all the Union armies until near the very end of the war? How did Robert E. Lee end up having to deal with issues left unresolved by George Washington’s will, and was he a hero or a traitor? This book provides an exhaustive summary, not just of the major battles and major personalities of the Civil War, but of the political issues that brought the United States to the point of a terrible internal conflict. You’ll learn how the founding fathers predicted a great national conflict over slavery, and how Thomas Jefferson’s political philosophies influenced secessionist thinking in the south. From the history of the abolitionist movement to the election of 1860 and the creation of the Republican party, this book will give you all the facts you need to understand how the Civil War started, why Lincoln was so fed up with his generals, and how the war affects American society today.
Actually did not finish all the way. First chapter contains significant errors of fact. As soon as I encounter that situation in a non-fiction work, I usually stop there as anything after that becomes suspect. If the South had freed the slaves immediately following secession there would have been a war anyway. The war was primarily fought to preserve the Union.....at least from the Union standpoint. I have read hundreds of letters written home from yankee soldiers and have yet to read one which mentions fighting to free the slaves as their motivation. If fact, just the opposite is true.
Generally the go for the way to be sure I can read
"Well, here's a pious dog, at last, let down among us sinners! --a saint, a gentleman, and no less, to talk to us sinners about our sins! Powerful holy critter, he must be! Here, you rascal, you make believe to be so pious, --didn't you never hear, out of yer Bible, 'Servants, obey yer masters'? An't I yer master? Didn't I pay down twelve hundred dollars, cash, for all there is inside yer old cussed black shell? An't yer mine, now, body and soul?" he said, giving Tom a violent kick with his heavy boot; "tell me!"
This book contains a very brief account of the war, but also focuses on the historical causes which lead to the war. There are many misconceptions held which continue to contribute to the current unrest.
This is not a comprehensive history of the Civil War, but it is a good starting point for anyone wishing to fully understand the effects of the war on the United States over time.
I really appreciated the excellent foundation of evidence that proves the Civil War was caused by slavery. This is the first book I have read that brings this horrible truth of the Civil War into the light. My only fault with the book is the ending. I wish the author had continued his assessment on the ramifications of slavery and further examples of what justice can be done on behalf of African-Americans. Highly recommended.
Enjoyed the book until the author referred to the situation of the hoodlum Michael Brown who fought a police officer and resisted arrest for his breaking the law. No one can be above the law or we have no law. We are all Americans. Obey the laws and we all live in peace. Those who don't appreciate this country, go to another country and live without the USA freedoms.
Good night my friend is and how they to much for the next two few days and the other fact is that it would was is that the two government has said been your favorite thing about it the first same best
Just a rehash of American history to 1877 college textbooks. Nothing groundbreaking or unavailable elsewhere. I recommend readers seek other sources if seeking a full and balanced understanding of early US history.
It seems very odd that the author says the reason for the civil war was slavery then spends the next 50 pages telling us of the other causes. Then spent the last 1/3 of the book on the actual war. All very superficial.
Written less from a military and more from a socio-political and economic perspective, the book was an interesting and an informative read. If you want a look at the Civil War from a cause and effect perspective in a quick read, this book is for you.
The War Between the States, also commonly known as the Civil War has gone down in history as the most costly in human lives in United States history. This iniquitous fact isn’t really strange as the victims on both sides were Americans. Although the actual war was fought between the years 1861-1865, the foundations and effects of this conflict span more than two hundred years.
This is a short and superficial history of this war. Restating well-known facts and the rectification and the indemnification commonly believed falsehoods, this book takes the reader on a trip beginning before the American Revolution until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. Dealing in pure fact, the book lacks the emotion and suffering of this conflict’s victims but forms a sturdy frame for more in-depth research. The who, what, and why of America’s greatest dilemmas are all briefly touched upon and promotes the campaign to defeat and ultimately end institutional racisms.
Although this narrative added no new knowledge to this war, its causes and effects, it does add structure to further expand upon. I enjoyed reading it and come away with renewed interest, understanding, and admiration for our (American) history and sacrifice. It is a short account that should and will appeal to the masses. I highly recommend it.
I have read hundreds of books about the war between the states. We didn't live in this period of history. What makes us think we are so all knowing about why people from the south made the decision to protect their homeland. A small percentage of landowners owned slaves. Let's not put everyone in the same basket with those who chose to perpetuate the evil institution of slaves.
A brief overview of what actually caused the civil war.
Great read for the casual reader who is interested in the subject. Especially those that are more interested not in the historical accounts of the great battles but what events/ideas set the nation on fire ...