Turning Points of the Civil War by James A Rawley
Review by Thomas F. (hardtack)
We are now in the middle of the 150th anniversary of the four-year American Civil War. As such, a good, readable, relatively short (200 pages) book on its turning points might be a valuable addition to your reading list.
James A Rawley is professor emeritus of history at the University of Nebraska. Although his book was originally published in 1966, it has aged well in its coverage of the war. Those struggling to understand how the war progressed and why it ended the way it did, will find that Rawley answers their questions. Although his seven essays should be read in chronological order, each may also be read independently. He also provides an Introduction and Afterword.
The turning points Rawley covers include:
Kentucky and the Borderland – Lincoln said the war was hopelessly lost without Kentucky.
Bull Run – The first battle changed our nation’s attitude towards war.
The Trent Affair – How the U.S. almost went to war with Great Britain.
Antietam – A strategic Union victory that restored confidence in the war and allowed Lincoln to release…
The Emancipation Proclamation – This document changed the moral reason for the war, especially for Europe.
The July Days – The Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg were the beginning of the end of the Confederacy.
The U.S. Election of 1864 – A nation chooses to continue the fight.
After reading about the Civil War for over 50 years, I was appalled that I had missed reading this book until now.
