The Civil War: Primary Documents on Events from 1860 to 1865

Ford Risley

Oct 2004 · Greenwood Publishing Group

About this ebook

Read how the most pressing issues of the Civil War were argued over, shaped, and regarded by Americans north and south. News articles, editorials, and cartoons from the time offer a range of contentious and impassioned opinions and reports on the crucial events that precipitated, sustained, and eventually concluded this vital chapter in American history and politics. A startling mosaic of sentiment - often conflicting, always partisan, and much of it noble - emerges from the din of journalistic campaigning waged over the battle for public opinion on both sides of the Mason - Dixon line. Topical chapters offer multiple annotated documents related to twenty-four crucial topics and events occurring and debated during the War Between the States. Questions designed to stimulate written and oral discussions conclude each chapter. A full index and bibliography conclude the work.

Beginning with Lincoln's election in 1860 and concluding with his assassination in 1865, The Civil War offers clear examples of a wide range of opinion about the military matters like the draft, the preparation for war, arming slaves, and the impact of the battles of Bull Run, Gettysburg, and Sherman's March to the Sea. Political issues are strongly represented as editorials and articles reacting to the southern states' secession, civil liberties and elections in the Union and the Confederacy are presented in equal measure. A strong and valuable resource for students and researchers of this pivotal period of American history.

About the author

FORD RISLEY associate professor of communications and head of the Department of Journalism at Penn State. He is the author of articles on the antebellum and Civil War press and published in American Journalism, Civil War History, Georgia Historical Quarterly, and Jounralism History.