Battle Cry of Freedom: Volume 2: The Civil War Era

by James M. McPherson

pJames M. McPherson, professor emeritus of U.S. history at Princeton, is one of the foremost scholars of the Civil War. In this informative and meticulously researched masterpiece, he clarifies the differing ways of life and philosophy that led to this shattering conflict. Abraham Lincoln wondered whether "in a free government the minority have the right to break up the government." Jefferson Davis felt "forced to take up arms" to guarantee his states' rights. McPherson merges the words of these men and other political luminaries, housewives, and soldiers from both armies with his own concise analysis of the war to create a story as compelling as any novel. Battle Cry of Freedom vividly traces how a new nation was forged when a war both sides were sure would amount to little dragged for four years and cost more American lives than all other wars combined.p"... of the 50,000 books written on the Civil War, the finest compression of that national paroxysm ever fitted between two covers."-Los Angeles Times Book Review

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction, Civil War, Audiobook, 19th Century

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

James M. McPherson, Ph.D. (Johns Hopkins University, 1963; B.A., Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minnesota), 1958) is an American Civil War historian, and the George Henry Davis '86 Professor Emeritus of United States History at Princeton University. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Battle Cry of Freedom, his most famous book. He was the president of the American Historical Association in 2003, and is a member of the editorial board of Encyclopædia Britannica.

Reviews

[Jason , etc. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was a single book assigned to young folks inhabiting this country, this should be it. Ideally, they would be encouraged to both read it and ask questions, most of which would doubtless fly forth during the the first third and would be of the incredulous flavor, something along the lines of, "Are you shitting me?". But as a civics lesson and a larger treasury of insight into the body politic of both America and Americanism, there are arguably fewer more worthy or complete descriptions of where we came from, where we went, how we got there, or how we stumbled forward than this narrative of the era encompassing the ~1850s to the late ~1860s. Cosmically speaking, it's pretty insubstantial; however, if you presently find yourself inclined to spend time dizzy with confusion about the current state of things (see the date of this review), start reading this book, then after ~200 pages, look up, and go, "Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight, suuuure, yeah."

I grew up a history nerd, but this eluded my nerdery until replacing a hardwood floor, during which time I found it the perfect companion for listening. There is no more thorough or definitive reconstruction of why the Civil War happened, why it was inevitable, why the south lost, or why no one really won that war than this single volume.

[Douglas Grion Filho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like Volume 1, historian James McPherson does a fantastic job of explaining the American civil war in all of its complexities as it came to the white men and women involved in it. I would have appreciated a larger effort in retelling the stories of native americans involved in the civil war and also of northern black troops, but I guess I should read a separate book for that kind of stuff. Its not that they aren't mentioned, they just dont get the same level of scrutiny. Still, very good and well researched for those interested in the topic.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 2 continues the high quality of volume 1 in covering in depth the political and economic history of the civil war. The book does give the reader a good summary of the military aspects of the war, but the book mainly deals with most important elements of the period: the politics and economics. I learned a lot from the two volumes and feel it is definitely the best overall history of this terrible period in America's past.
The author makes the ironic point that the man who freed the slaves was not Lincoln, but Robert E. Lee. His reasoning is that early in the war when Lee whipped McClellan who had twice as many men, he created a long war instead of a short one. At that point in 1862 Lincoln had no thought of emancipation. He was simply concerned with reuniting the Union. Had the war ended then, slavery in the South would have continued for who knows how many years.
I also learned with horror that the Confederates routinely executed black prisoners of war in many areas.
In contrast there are lots of amusing quotes. For example, a man in Georgia said to Sheridan on his march to the sea, "Why don't you go to South Carolina and serve them this way, they are the one's who started it."
This is a must read for all interested in American history.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great look at the latter part of the Civil War from political, economic, and military perspectives. I enjoyed this book for the different perspectives on a topic that I normally seek out the military strategies.

[Lulukins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. I learned SO MUCH. And while I know I won't retain even a fraction of the information presented in this book, I am better and more knowledgeable for having listened to it.

Again, as with the first volume, you can definitely feel similar sentiments in today's society.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most comprehensive big picture history of the war period I’ve ever read.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one that I've been meaning to read for a long time.

[Michael Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battle Cry of Freedom is essentially peerless as a general history of the Civil War. It manages to balance between a well-rendered and readable narrative and substantive discussions of the difficult questions of the war, as well as a solid conclusion that touches on the broad outlines of Civil War historiography. An excellent read.

[John Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, well written, hugely insightful history of the Civil War.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

McPherson makes history enjoyable.