Customer Reviews

Compact History of the Civil War

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This very readable volume is an introduction and guide to the battles and issues of the Civil War. It was the greatest emotional experience and has an unceasing attraction for Americans (`Preface'). The Civil War brought important changes to society, its economics (growth of corporations), and the role of government. It was the first conflict of the technological age (p.7). A peaceful solution was impossible (p.8). The war was decided in the West while there was a stalemate in Northern Virginia. Naval operations are often overlooked. The story of the Civil War often overlooks the economic and political facts. [The `Index' does not list the Income Tax Act of 1861 or the Legal Tender Act of 1862.] The real power of the North was in its agriculture and manufacturing, miles of railroads, and industrial power. The `List of Maps' is on pages 13 and 14.

The `Contents' list the thirty chapters. They are written for the general reader. [R. Ernest Dupuy was a reporter, ship news editor, and feature editor before 1917.] Chapter 1 tells of the attack on Fort Sumter. General Winfield Scott recommended an immediate blockade of Southern ports and raising a tremendous army to invade down the Mississippi (p.35). Politicians wanted a quick and cheap victory. General George McClellan reorganized the new and enlarged army (Chapter 4). Could the South have won after the first Bull Run (p.49)? Chapter 5 tells of the maneuvering to gain control of Missouri and Kentucky, border states with divided loyalties. Chapter 6 tells of the little-known invasion of New Mexico by Confederate General Henry Sibley. His defeat kept New Mexico in the Union. New Orleans was captured in April 1862. The Confederates invaded the North but were stopped at Antietam (Chapter 12). McClellan failed to win (p.165). Chapter 17 describes the battle of Gettysburg, Lee withdrew. Grant captured Vicksburg (Chapter 18). The naval blockade reduced supplies to the South (Chapter 20). Battles continued in northern Virginia (Chapter 22). The Confederate Navy destroyed or captured hundreds of US ships (Chapter 24). The `Kearsarge' sank the `Alabama' near Cherbourg France (p.323). Sherman invaded Georgia and captured Atlanta (Chapter 25). Jubal Early invaded Maryland and came close to Washington (Chapter 26). This led to the Shenandoah Valley campaign. Sherman captured Savannah (Chapter 27). Wilmington NC was captured (Chapter 28). Columbia and Charleston SC were occupied (Chapter 29). Petersburg VA was attacked, Richmond was evacuated. Lee was trapped and surrendered (Chapter 30).

The `Appendix' tells of the Arms and Uniforms. The Union recognized 79 different models of rifles and muskets, 23 types of carbines and musketoons, and 19 models of pistols and revolvers. The Confederate inventory was similar. Northern artillery was mostly smooth-bore bronze Napoleons and cast-iron rifled Parrott guns. The Confederates used older and captured cannon. The Northern Navy used older smooth-bore cannon and the newer Dahlgren rifled guns. [The authors both served in the Field Artillery.] While the Union uniform was blue and the Confederates wore grey, the beginning saw a variety of uniforms (p.424). Each militia group could select their uniform at the beginning. [The `fog of war' may have showed the need for consistency and differences.] There is a `Selected Bibliography'. The `Envoi' says those familiar with civil strife in European history expected continued resistance by guerilla bands (p.418). The magnanimous and liberal surrender terms may have prevented this, as well as a lack of popular support. It was time for peace (p.419).

I had to read it in AP history and it sucks it is dry and not very interesting unless you like battle tactics from the civil war don'y blow your money on it. It is a crime that people are actually making money off of this book. any questions you can just reply and I will answer them. I like learning about history but this book was terrible

Just beginning to study Civil War and there are an overwhelming number of reference books, histories,etc. This publication was compact as promised; explained the causes, chronology, battles and personalities well with excellent maps of battles.

As a Canadian, I have very little knowledge of American history in general and the Civil War in particular. This book walked me through the war in great detail and provides an excellent base for future studies.