Synopses & Reviews
This rich and balanced narrative of the American Civil War combines a chronological organization with a thematic approach to provide a comprehensive introduction to this pivotal conflict in the nation's history. Chronologically organized chapters on military history allow readers to easily follow the ebb and flow of the battlefield, while other, more topical chapters interspersed throughout explore such subjects as Civil War medicine, politics, prisoners of war, diplomacy, and the role of African-Americans and women, providing strong social and political context for the war and a greater understanding of the lasting impact of the time period. Each chapter also includes high interest features that provide biographical sketches of important personalities, little known facts about the Civil War, the histories of famous fighting units, and eyewitness accounts of dramatic events.
Table of Contents
Preface Introduction Chapter 1. A House Divided Chapter 2. A Parting of Ways Chapter 3. War!! Chapter 4. Soldiering Chapter 5. Yankee Onslaught: The Western Theater, 1862 Chapter 6. Lee Takes Command: Virginia, 1862 Chapter 7. Confederate Jugernaughts: From Antietam to Stones River Chapter 8. The War at Sea Chapter 9. The Fight for Freedom Chapter 10. The Diplomatic War Chapter 11. Finance and Industry Chapter 12. The Politics of Union Chapter 13. The Politics of Rebellion Chapter 14. Advance and Retreat: The Chancellorsville and Gettysburg Campaigns Chapter 15. Pocketing the Key: The Vicksburg and Port Hudson Campaigns Chapter 16. Shifting Fortunes in the West: The Chickamauga and Chattanooga Campaigns Chapter 17. The Other Participants Chapter 18. Medical Care in the Civil War Chapter 19. In the Hands of the Enemy Chapter 20. The Irregular War Chapter 21. The Bloody Road to Richmond: From the Wildnerness to Petersburg Chapter 22. From Meridian to Atlanta Chapter 23. The Rebellion's Last Gasp Chapter 24. From Petersburg to Appomattox: The Final Campaigns Chapter 25. Reconstructing the Nation Chapter 26. The Long Shadow of War Bibliography