America Goes to War

by Bruce Catton

s/t: The Civil War & Its Meaning in American Culture
A fascinating study of the first modern war and its effect on American Culture.

Genres: Civil War, History, American Civil War, American History, War, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1992

About the author

Bruce Catton was a distinguished American historian and journalist, best known for his influential writings on the American Civil War. Renowned for his narrative style, Catton brought history to life through richly drawn characters, vivid battlefield descriptions, and a deep understanding of the political and emotional forces that shaped the era. His accessible yet meticulously researched books made him one of the most popular historians of the twentieth century.
Born in Petoskey, Michigan, and raised in the small town of Benzonia, Catton grew up surrounded by Civil War veterans whose personal stories sparked a lifelong fascination with the conflict. Though he briefly attended Oberlin College, Catton left during World War I and served in the U.S. Navy. He later began a career in journalism, working as a reporter, editor, and Washington correspondent. His experience in government service during World War II inspired his first book, The War Lords of Washington (1948).
Catton achieved national acclaim with his Army of the Potomac trilogy—Mr. Lincoln’s Army (1951), Glory Road (1952), and A Stillness at Appomattox (1953)—the last of which earned him the Pulitzer Prize for History and the National Book Award. He went on to publish a second trilogy, The Centennial History of the Civil War, and contributed two volumes to a biography of Ulysses S. Grant, begun by Lloyd Lewis. His other notable works include This Hallowed Ground, The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War, and Waiting for the Morning Train, a memoir of his Michigan boyhood.
In 1954, Catton became the founding editor of American Heritage magazine, further shaping the public’s understanding of U.S. history. In 1977, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Catton’s legacy endures through his vivid portrayals of America’s most defining conflict and his enduring influence on historical writing.

Reviews

[Cindy Marsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know why I've heard Bruce Catton's name so much through the decades. He was born in 1899, fought in WWI after his first months at college (he never went back), and died in the midst of the Cold War - one of the most affecting passages in this short book is his reminiscence of old Civil War veterans from his childhood. Catton's writing shows a genius for capturing the spirit of his subjects and speaking with self-confident authority about them. We sit at his feet to learn of our ancestors.

[Iain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based upon a series of lectures given by the author at Wesleyan University, these 100 odd pages pack considerable punch. It's especially interesting how Catton ties discussion of the ACW to his contemporaries' experience with McCarthyism and the rising Civil Rights Movement. A discussion with relevance to the challenges our Democracy continues to face.

I'd recommend it for anyone interested in the ACW and say it's a must read for anyone who loves Catton's style.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderful little book was written by one of the finest Civil War historians around. He examines anew some of the reasons we went to war and then looks at how the war has meaning for our culture today. A fine introduction to the conflict.

[Sean Chick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a classic because it seems that Catton threw this together and failed to inject his superb prose. However, most of the arguments here are still popular with historians. of course it helps that Catton was a great historian.

[Max Shenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written over 50 years ago, but just as important now as ever. Catton puts the Civil War in perspective and explains why it's important to us to understand its lessons and relevance today. Cautionary in some ways. Recommended.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just tried to write a review of this & then the app crashed on my last sentence… Holding back many 4-letter words…

Clear and engaging writer. Some bad opinions mixed in, but good explanation of the general feel during the American civil war era. The book isn’t about particular battles, but about the political landscape, the types of men who fought, the ugly tactics used (and how modern they were), and the general air of suspicion during & after the war.

He has some bad takes on Grant & doesn’t give enough credence to the southerners’ perspective where they deserve it (states rights, non-aggressors,etc), and by the end (1870s) he somehow flips the script and makes republicans sound like failures & bad guys ? Nah. I get that you’re a lib of the 50s with social justice reform going on, but nah. You can’t go from blaming democrats for slavery to blaming republicans (especially Grant) for the racial problems the followed the war. Nice try though

Anyways… aside from his occasional bad takes, it’s been a useful little book.

[EC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this short book, consisting of 6 independent essays, a good start to learning more about the Civil War. Of course 6 essays is nowhere near enough to address all of the complexities, but it gave me a taste of some of the broad issues and introduced some of the players names. As a bonus I could read 1 essay each day while at lunch and not feel like I was having to play catch up every time.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first of a handful of very short books I took out of the library for casual reading over the 4th of July weekend. Catton's theme here is that modern war destroys pre-war society; the victors may think they can return to pre-war life, but they can't, it's gone.

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short book from 1959 by eminent Civil War historian. Mildly interesting; barest of introductions to topic.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the hardcover