The Civil War Era: A Legendary Era of Bloodshed and Transformation

The Civil War Era in America remains one of the most significant periods in the nation's history. Lasting from 1861 to 1865, this war between the Northern and Southern states forever altered the course of the United States. Marked by intense bloodshed, political turmoil, and social transformation, the Civil War Era and its aftermath have had a profound impact on American society, politics, and culture.

The Causes and Events Leading to the Civil War

The seeds of the American Civil War were sown even before the nation's founding. The issue of slavery, with the Northern states gradually abolishing it and the Southern states reliant on it for their economy, created an irreconcilable divide. This divide became increasingly prominent during the early 19th century, leading to several key events that eventually culminated in the outbreak of war.

One of the most significant triggers was the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States in 1860. His anti-slavery stance and the Republican Party's determination to stop the expansion of slavery into new territories infuriated Southern states. Following Lincoln's election, several Southern states, starting with South Carolina, seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America.

Atlanta Will Fall: Sherman, Joe Johnston, and the Yankee Heavy Battalions (The American Crisis Series: Books on the Civil War Era Book 3)

by Stephen Davis(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3076 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	214 pages

FREE

The Civil War officially began on April 12, 1861, with the Confederates launching an attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The four years that followed were characterized by numerous significant battles, such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the Siege of Vicksburg. The war led to the death of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians, and its consequences were far-reaching.

Influential Figures of the Civil War Era

The Civil War Era saw the rise of iconic figures who shaped the course of history. Abraham Lincoln, known for his leadership during the war, is perhaps the most renowned figure of this period. His powerful orations, such as the Gettysburg Address, continue to resonate and inspire to this day.

Another influential figure was Ulysses S. Grant, who played a key role in leading the Union Army to victory. As the general-in-chief of the Union Army, Grant implemented innovative military strategies that ultimately contributed to the success of the Northern states.

On the Confederate side, General Robert E. Lee emerged as one of the most respected military leaders of the era. Lee's tactical brilliance and strategic maneuvers made him a formidable adversary for the Union Army. Despite his eventual surrender, Lee's legacy remains an integral part of American history.

The Aftermath and Legacy of the Civil War

While the end of the Civil War marked the abolition of slavery and preserved the Union, the war's consequences were far from over. The Reconstruction Era that followed brought about its own set of challenges and struggles as the nation grappled with the aftermath of such a devastating conflict.

The Reconstruction Era witnessed efforts to heal the wounds of war and provide equal rights to African Americans. However, these advancements were met with resistance as Southern states enacted discriminatory laws known as "Jim Crow" laws, leading to further racial segregation and inequality.

The Civil War Era left a profound impact on the nation's collective memory and cultural identity. It inspired countless literary works, such as "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, which provided a fictional glimpse into the lives of those affected by the war. Various monuments and memorials, like the Gettysburg National Military Park, stand as reminders of the sacrifices made during this transformative era in American history.

The Civil War Era will forever be etched in the annals of American history. It was a time of fierce struggle, sacrifice, and transformation. The war led to the abolition of slavery, the preservation of the Union, and the rewriting of the nation's future. Studying this era helps us understand the complexities of our nation's past and appreciate the progress made in overcoming the challenges that followed. The legacies of prominent figures and the lessons learned during this turbulent period continue to shape America today.

Atlanta Will Fall: Sherman, Joe Johnston, and the Yankee Heavy Battalions (The American Crisis Series: Books on the Civil War Era Book 3)

by Stephen Davis(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3076 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	214 pages

FREE

General John Bell Hood tried everything he could: Surprise attack. Flanking march. Cavalry raid into the enemy's rear lines. Simply enduring his opponent's semi-siege of the city. But nothing he tried worked. Because by the time he assumed command of Confederate forces protecting Atlanta, his predecessor Joe Johnston's chronic, characteristic strategy of gradual withdrawal had doomed the city to fall to William T. Sherman's Union troops.

Joe Johnston lost Atlanta and John Bell Hood has gotten a bum rap, Stephen Davis argues in his new book, Atlanta Will Fall: Sherman, Joe Johnston, and the Yankee Heavy Battalions. The fall of the city was inevitable because Johnston pursued a strategy that was typical of his career: he fell back. Again and again. To the point where he allowed Sherman's army to within five miles of the city. Against a weaker opponent, Johnston's strategy might have succeeded. But Sherman commanded superior numbers, and he was a bold, imaginative strategist who pressed the enemy daily and used his artillery to pound their lines. Against this combination, Johnston didn't have a chance. And by the time Hood took over the Confederate command, neither did he.

Atlanta Will Fall provides a lively, fast-paced overview of the entire Atlanta campaign from Dalton to Jonesboro. Davis describes the battles and analyzes the strategies. He evaluates the three generals, examining their plans of action, their tactics, and their leadership ability. In doing so, he challenges the commonly held perceptions of the two Confederate leaders and provides a new perspective on one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War.

An excellent supplemental text for courses on the Civil War and American nineteenth-century history, Atlanta Will Fall will engage students with its brisk, concise examination of the fight for Atlanta.