Originally published in 1975, this assessment of the American Civil War is a broad treatment of the war as a major historical event, set in the context of a detailed picture of two governments, economies and societies at war.
Originally published in 1975, this assessment of the American Civil War is a broad treatment of the war as a major historical event, set in the context of a detailed picture of two governments, economies and societies at war. It discusses many controversial topics - the uncertainty and hesitation that surrounded the origins of the war, for example, its economic impact, the Radicals and their relationship with Lincoln and reconstruction as a wartime issue. It offers acute analysis of Lincoln’s political skills, and an evaluation of emancipation and Lincoln’s approach to it; the problems and performance of the opposition during the war; international reactions; an assessment of some of the leading generals like McClellan and Lee and the impact of the war on both Southern and Northern society.
New Preface for the re-issue of 2020 Adam I. P. Smith Part 1: Fission
1.
Danger Signals
2. How the War Came
3. Crisis of the Union
4. Why the War Came
Part 2: Explosion
5. Preparations, Predictions and Prospects
6. Men at Arms
7. Campaigns of 1862
8. Two Governments at War, 1861-1863
9. Emancipation
Part 3: Vortex
10. Campaigns of 1863
11. A Society at War: The South
12. A
Society at War: The North
13. The War and the World
14. Oceans, Rivers and
Diplomatic Channels Part 4: Climax
15. Campaigns of 1864
16. The Politics of
War, 1863-1864
17. Reconstruction and Re-election: The Climax of Lincolns
Presidency
18. Victory and Defeat Part 5: Aftermath
19. The Struggle to Win
the Peace
20. The Enduring Legacy. Notes. Chronology of Events, November
1860-May 1865.
