I choose Jeffrey Shaara’s, God’s and Generals because of it’s fame as a book the portrays the American Civil War as a war with no good guys or bad guys. It puts more focus on the individual and their personal dilemmas, which I will elaborate more on in the summary of the books contents. I like to see the war from the Confederate States perspective, not the Confederate States as the villains, but as people who had their beliefs for their own reasons. I think that this is a great way to learn about American History and enjoy the time spent doing so. I find that I have a much better understanding of the American Civil War now that I have read it. This book holds it’s place as a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about the American Civil War without picking up a textbook. It claims a place as an important fiction book about our countries roots. One thing I may never understand even after reading this book is how they justified slavery, but I must admit I have never been in their shoe. From what I had heard about this book from my family and friends, this would be as close as I could get to walk in their shoes. Maybe instead of shoes, I should say their ankle-high Jefferson boots.
The American Civil War, this was the military conflict between the United States of America, also known as the Union, and the Confederacy who were the 11 secessionist Southern states, named the Confederate States of America. The American Civil War came about as the result of four decades of intense sectional conflict and it reflected deep-rooted economic, social, and political differences between the North and the South. From what I hear, there have been many books written on this subject known as our first modern war. These books have tried describing how over 620,000 men were killed in the harshness of battle. The author, Jeff Shaara takes it to the next level and explores the personal conflicts of four historical figures, two from either side of the war. Robert E. Lee, General Jackson, Colonel Chamberlain, and Hancock. Robert E. Lee’s story begins with a dilemma, he has to choose whether to stay to fight with the army he has been serving for 30 years or to resign and go to Virginia to defend his home. His life in the army had been the only life he knew for so long and it has worn on him. He had missed watching his children grow and learn and tried not to think about what his career had done to his family.
The Essay on The importance of this particular war in American history
1. The most important historical event that occurred between 1492 and 1865 was the American Civil War. Sparked by issues such as states’ rights and the many aspects of slavery, it was a four-year war in which the country split in two and fought against each other for principles each side strongly believed in. The importance of this particular war in American history cannot be emphasized enough. ...
Lee feels as though something missing from inside him. General Winfield Scott asks Lee to serve as second in command of the Union Army when he is in Texas, but because the possibility that Virginia could also secede, he say no. Still longing for action, he accepts the command of the Provisional Army, the defense forces for the state of Virginia. He goes on to recruit Major Thomas Jackson, Jackson replies by saying, “If they do not run, then they die.” (Pg. 135) This describes Major Jackson’s general attitude towards war. Jackson is extremely religious and does all he can to please God and to follow His path. Newspaper coverage of his battles quickly exposes him and the title Hero is given to Jackson. Throughout the war, Jackson shows dedication, going beyond his orders and chasing away his enemies. He also shows an immense concern for his troops. His men were shabby compared to the forces of Hancock and Chamberlain. Winfield Scott Hancock, has the talent of making himself “indispensable in any assignment he is given.” (Pg. 5) Due to this talent, he is the best suited to take the role of Quartermaster. After various locations, he is transferred to California, where his story begins. Much like Lee, he feels he belongs on the battlefield, and not in an office. Hancock visits General McClellan and is told, “We need leaders, Mr. Hancock. I believe that includes you.” (Pg. 160) And so, his duty is now assigned. One of the many patriots, Joshua Chamberlain enlisted in the Union Army to defend his country. It is ironic because “he had never enjoyed shooting anything…” (Pg. 36) and yet he is willing to kill in pride for his country.
Origins of World War II – Book Review
Origins of World War II - Book Review Essay submitted by scott World War II was much more than battles, statistics, politics, and opinions. The things that contributed to its beginning, what happened during the war, and the effects of the war are still being debated and discussed. Patrick Finney assembles some of the best writings for a number of subjects relating to World War II. First the reader ...
As the war moves on, Stonewall Jackson wins his reputation by a series of stinging victories over ineptly led Union forces. Lee, finally given command of the Confederate forces, recognizes that this devout and dangerous man is his greatest weapon. For a time, it truly seems as if God is on their side and that Lee will lead his army to victory against overwhelming odds. Lee had given a prayer, “Thank you for this place, for this ground,” (Pg. 288) thanking God for the advantage. At the Battle of Fresburg where, for the first time, all four men meet on the same field and experience the exhilaration and raw horror of battle from four very different points of view. This is one of my favorite parts of the book. It is rare for an author to take more than one angle while setting aside their own bias, but he tells it from four angles. But it is in the next great fight, the Battle of Chancellorsville, that Lee’s brilliant strategy and Jackson’s supreme achievement are useless when Jackson is fatally wounded by his own men. This loss is the turning point of the war. Lee sees that against the ever-growing number of Union forces, he can only win by a direct threat to Washington. So the battle-hardened armies of the Confederacy begin their fateful invasion of the North, toward an obscure crossroads in Pennsylvania called Gettysburg. This novel brings to life an important segment of United States history. The Civil War shaped history and still affects many today. One can still find the son or daughter of a Civil War veteran, and be amazed with their stories. Bitterness still exist deep in the South, where the war has still not ended in their minds. Coming form Kansas, which is not Deep South, I still have experienced the bitterness. Gods and Generals helps to understand the truth behind the war. There were no bad guys, only everyday people fighting for their home. President Lincoln actually said “it’s a good war, a war for what is right.” (Pg. 100)
The author obviously has a lot of knowledge of the American Civil War, but even more important is his passion and purpose in his writing. Doing a little research about the book, I found that the book was a prequel to Michael Shaara’s 1974 Pulitzer Prize-winning work about the Battle of Gettysburg. Jeffrey Shaara wrote this after his father Michael’s death in 1988. I was unaware of this while reading the book, but now looking back and thinking about it, I have drawn the conclusion that the book was such a quality book because he had more on his mind then just writing a book, he wanted to meet the high standard that his father set and I am sure this book was and is of great sentimental value to Jeffrey Shaara.
The Essay on Battle Of The Bulge A World War 2 Battle
The World War Two was a very severe war. There were many battles that were fought during it. One of the biggest land battles was Battle of the Bulge. (http://helios.) The battle took place on December 16, 1944 under cover a very dense fog which was very difficult for the army to see. (Danzer et. al. 744) These conditions are hard to see in but to stage of the biggest land battle in the history of ...
There is really no way in my mind to agree or disagree with a book that remains so neutral in its opinions of the the American Civil War. I suppose I could agree or disagree with whether I think it is okay to not choose sides on the subject, but I don’t and I wont. I do agree with the author and the way he looks at this without choosing sides. Pointing out once again that these were everyday people fighting for their homes. Just doing what they had to do. Whether or not they were for or against slavery didn’t matter when there was a battle going on for your home.
I don’t claim to be an American Civil War buff, but my interest has been peaked. I plan on reading the next book Battle of Gettysburg written by his father. I am looking at the war from an angle I have never looked at from before. The Confederacy was fighting for what they believed in just as the Union was. Who can be right in this case? This was a very good read. Time consuming because of its length for an average reader like myself, but still very easy to read.
