Customer Reviews

Civil War Journal - The Commanders

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Civil War Journal is a very informative and entertaining look at the Civil War with original pictures and personal narratives ala Ken Burns. Civil War Journal draws on more sources though and delves deeper into specific areas where Ken Burns didn't have the time. The use of interviews with historians and authors lets the experts relate some human interest to the history.
Danny Glover is a good choice as the host. he presents well and The History Channel throws in some reenacting to bring a little color to the program. I would like to see The History Channel release the rest of the series on DVD.

This excellent series, "Civil War Journal" gives another great set for its fans and is a must-see for serious students of the war. While the general's names are well known, their motivations get a thorough examination. So many of the key players had friends and even kin on "the other side." West Point Classmates gives an excellent in-depth look at the early training and molding of values that influenced the sometimes heartbreaking choices these American heroes were forced to make. Highly recommend.

"Civil War Journal" is a fantastic documentary series that deals with the personal and political struggles in addition to the already-legendary military conflicts. This DVD collects four episodes that deal with the famous commanders of the conflict. The first program shows how West Point classmates would end up commanding troops on both sides of the conflict. The second and third programs showcase the lives of Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Some points must be taken off for the last documentary, which is about William T. Sherman and the March to the Sea. While it does point out the instances of rape and murder (which, although rare, DID happen), as well as the total destruction of property, did occur on this march, the documentary almost seems to excuse these travesties, which were crimes of war that Sherman was never held accountable for. However, the documentary does point out that he was not only ignorant of these incidences, but was also a racist. It shows that he was a less-than-stellar person, both on the battlefield and off.
"Civil War Journal: The Commanders" is a great introduction to the leaders who would lead both Confederate and Union troops into the bloodiest conflict in America's history. Historians and DVD collectors will not be disappointed!
Grade: A-

I bought this book for a friend after they read the first journal about the start of the civil war and they were very pleased with it. it was very informative about the commanders and the strategy they used. Excellent!

Loved it. So interesting and informative. Learned much about the personal lives of the leaders during the Civil War. Great for any Civil War Buff.

Not the best attempt at examining the men at the helm during the Civil War - but certainly not the worst.
Robert E. Lee gets fair treatment. He was a man of sound character and ethical principles. He had a strong belief in God's guiding providence.
William T. Sherman, for the most part was treated objectively and fairly. Sherman was no where the 'devil' that those in the South made him out to be. It was his conviction that the only way to end the War was to make every one feel it's terrible consequences. To that end he waged 'Total War' in the south. He was right.

All in all this is a good production. I have recommended it and loaned my copy to several friends. If nothing else -it provides material for discussion and debate.

This documentary has less research then a freshman term paper. In the very first few minutes of very first episode the narrator states a well debunked myth regarding Lincoln being the source of Pickett's West Point appointment. NOT TRUE! He was only a state legislator and did not have that power. Rather then bother with the details I will leave the reader to do the basic research that this team did not bother with.