An American Iliad: The Story of the Civil WarUniversity Press of Kentucky, 1. jaan 2004 - 289 pages " An updated edition of this concise yet comprehensive history of the Civil War, written by a distinguished historian of the conflict. Charles Roland skillfully interweaves the story of battles and campaigns with accounts of the major political, diplomatic, social, and cultural events of the epoch and insightful sketches of the leading actors. Of prime interest are the contrasts he draws between the opposing presidents and generals. What traits, he asks, made Lincoln superior to Davis as a war leader? How were Union military leaders able to forge a more effective fighting force, a more comprehensive strategy than their opponents? Roland's thoughtful anwers and his recognition of the contadictions of human nature and the interpaly of intention and chance raise this book above a mere recounting of military events. The story of the Civil War is the epic of the American people. Never has it been told more movingly. |
Contents
The Final Compromise | xvii |
A Parting of the Ways | 13 |
The Resort to Arms | 28 |
Mobilization and Early Campaigns | 41 |
Union Government Administration and Emancipation | 80 |
Confederate Government and Administration | 92 |
The Strategic Balance | 107 |
The Turn of the Tide of Battle | 124 |
The Contest for European Favor | 146 |
Military Success and Political Victory | 158 |
The Resurgent North | 181 |
The Beleaguered South | 198 |
The Union Triumphant | 220 |
Reflections on Men and Measures | 224 |
Sequel | 232 |