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James McPherson
Why Married Men Fought in the Civil War
Learning Links
The American Civil War Homepage
James McPherson named the
2000 Jefferson Lecturer
Books
For Cause and Comrades:
Why Men Fought in the Civil War
Paperback - 237 pages Reprint edition (September 1998)
The Causes of the Civil
War
Paperback - 255 pages 3rd Rev edition (May 1995)
INTRO
Dr. James McPherson is the George Henry Davis Professor of American History at Princeton University, where he has taught since 1962. As a prolific writer, Dr. McPherson has written more than a dozen books and hundreds of articles and reviews. He has made numerous on-screen appearances, including serving as an historical advisor for the seven-part video series, the Smithsonian’s Great Battles of the Civil War.
Dr. McPherson’s recent work, For Cause and Comrades, Why Men Fought In The Civil War is a comprehensive analysis drawing upon more than 25,000 letters and nearly 250 private diaries from men on both sides of the conflict. Written by the most literate soldiers in history and uncensored by military authorities, these letters and diaries are especially revealing as the soldiers tell their own stories.
Why did these men enlist to fight in such great numbers? Why did so few of them become cynical or disillusioned as the war progressed? And after three years of fighting in fierce, bloody battles, why did more than half of the Union soldiers voluntarily reenlist?
On this audio program, Dr. McPherson shares his thoughts on these intriguing questions.
This program was recorded June 30, 1997 at the Smithsonian Institution.
See Civil War Studies at The Smithsonian Associates for Studies Programs, Study Tours and Battlefield Site Seminars!
He is also the author of:
- To the Best of My Ability: The American...
Hardcover - 480 pages (August 1, 2000) - Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era
Paperback - 904 pages Reissue edition (February 1989) - Abraham Lincoln and the Second American...
Paperback Reprint edition (May 1992)
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