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The Civil War as a Crisis in Gender: Augusta, Georgia, 1860-1890

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In this fascinating approach to the issue of gender in the Civil War era, Leeann Whites argues that the men of Augusta, Georgia (and presumably the rest of the South) were emasculated by their loss in that conflict. Through the efforts of white women confederate veterans were able to regain their sense of masculinity by the latter part of the 19th century. Whites argues that in antebellum Augusta, as in the rest of the South, that white men were free because they were not slaves. Their role encompassed protecting white women from outside influences and from those who were not free, obviously African Americans. In exchange for this protection, white women were subservient. When the Union emerged triumphant and slaves were freed, the white men of Augusta lost their pre-eminent position because they had failed in their duty to protect their women. Whites shows how in the years after the Civil War the white women of Augusta began a campaign to restore their men's sense of self-respect via activities such as honoring them through the building of memorials dedicated to the sacrifices of Confederate veterans. In doing so, they began to create the image of the Southern warrior fighting for their war of life against insurmountable odds. This was the Lost Cause that equired the valiant and honorable men of Augusta to take up arms. As a result of these efforts, men felt resurrected as they regained their sense of self, leading to their return to power after Reconstruction. Whites argument is fascinating, she uses numerous primary sources to support her views. Although one cannot come away from reading the book without agreeing that women did play a significant role in the return of men to power, she does ignore any efforts than men made on their own behalf. One has the impression that only the women of Augusta helped the men of Augusta return to their role as protectors. Although she makes a convincing argument that women made a significant contribution, it is only one factor discussed. Having said that, however, this work is essential for anyone studying gender relations, especially in the Civil War era. It is well-written and thorough Additionally, Whites makes a solid contribution to the field of collective memory as she shows how the memorial movement in Augusta changed the way in which Southerners remembered the war.