“The crossroads of our being” Shelby Foote Civil War Literature “The crossroads of our being” Shelby Foote
Historical Background 1861-1865 By April 1861, 13 states had “seceded” from the Union. Key factors: States rights Slavery
A Credible Voice Frederick Douglass Escaped from slavery in Maryland Responsible for anti-slavery speeches and writings Helped to found 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the war
A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Gave 1st hand account of the evils of slavery Written so well that some refused to believe that a black man could write it Education of slaves was illegal in much of the South
Another influential perspective Uncle Tom’s Cabin By Harriet Beecher Stowe (A white northerner) Also dramatized evils of slavery Hugely popular (banned in much of the South) Advanced stereotypes
Life imitates literature Many credit Stowe’s book as being a catalyst for the war. Douglass was a relentless fighter for the abolition of slavery and beyond.
Mr. Lincoln is elected President The South was so thrilled that South Carolina immediately seceded from the Union By April, 13 states had formed the Confederate States of America
Letters tell much of the story… Sullivan Ballou One of many soldiers who wrote home before the Battle of Bull Run July 21, 1861 Many citizens from Washington came out to watch the battle Huge Southern victory
Others wrote after the war was over Ambrose Bierce “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” Civil War veteran Shows attitude towards war in general Thriller Died mysteriously
“…the last full measure of devotion…” Battle of Gettysburg (July 1, 2, and 3, 1863) 50,000 casualties Considered a Union victory Robert E. Lee and George Meade were the commanding generals.
“The world will little note…” On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln arrived at Gettysburg Dedicated National Cemetery Speech was around 2 minutes Reviews were disappointing Can’t even take a decent picture in that time
The speech defines Lincoln’s legacy
Here endeth the lesson By Andrew C. Jackson Credits to C-Span and the National Park Service