In the midst of the heartbreak; confusion; and rumors that followed Appomattox; some Southerners resolved to emigrate rather than surrender; and emigrate they did-to South America; Europe; Canada; and Mexico.Mexico's Emperor Maximilian; trying to secure his shaky throne against Juarez' opposition; encouraged these recalcitrant Confederates to settle in Mexico. But; doomed to defeat by the internal crisis in Mexico and by the Southerners' failure to face reality; the Confederate colonies were established and destroyed within two years' time. Later; many of the colonists who survived the ordeal tried to forget that they had ever gone into exile.Among the emigrants were many prominent Southern leaders; barred from holding public office and; in some cases; facing possible arrest: General Jo Shelby; the hero of the Confederacy; who later became so reconciled to the victory of the North that he voted for a Republican; Commodore Matthew Maury; internationally recognized oceanographer and naval astronomer; who was welcomed to Mexico by Maximilian himself; Henry Watkins Allen; "the single great administrator produced by the Confederacy;" who founded the English language Mexican Times; and Thomas Caute Reynolds; former lieutenant governor of Missouri; who encouraged Maximilian to stay in Mexico but who himself left. In all there may have been between eight and ten thousand Confederates in Mexico.The exodus; exile; and repatriation of the Confederates constitute a hitherto incompletely known incident in American history. In this fully documented account; Andrew F. Rolle reveals the hope; humor; disappointment; and defeat of Americans who believed that the only way to save their way of life was to leave their homeland.
#377833 in Books Judaica Place 2014-03-04 2014-03-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.76 x 1.13 x 6.33l; 1.31 #File Name: 0805243127320 pagesSchocken Books Inc
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Has known the late PM very well: worked with ...By dan pattirHas known the late PM very well: worked with him very closely as his chief spokesman and advisor on media and public affairs (1977-1981) after completing a three years term with rival Labor PM Rabin. PM Berin's decision to ask Pattir to join him was hailed as an important manifestation of backing strongly him media relations during the term which included the entire histotical Egyptian-israeli peace proces; from President Sadat's flight to jerusalem in November 1977 to the signing of the first-ever peace treaty in March 1979.i refrain from reviewing neither Daniel Gordis's new book; nor any new publication about PM's Begin; because: 1. I havn't read yet the book; 2. I won't write new reviews about this subject until I concluded the wrtiting and submit to the publisher by own new book about Begin and the peace process as an exclusive insider.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Other Side of the StoryBy Alan ZuckerThe narrative of Israel's founding is usually dominated by the Ben-Gurion perspective. Menachem Begin is depicted as the terrorist before independence and the one that nearly divided the army over the Altelena.Danny Gordis does an excellent job of providing a well balanced counterpoint and paints an interesting portrait. Begin is an interesting man. A complicated man. And a true Jewish hero whose story should be told.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An important book about a fascinating leaderBy myrnaI have read and enjoyed many of Daniel Gordis' books and I always feel that I'm back in college; sitting in the classroom of my favorite professor and lecturer. That being said; I do find that his books read like award winning novels rather than text books.Mr. Gordis' most recent book is a great way to learn about the fascinating and complex life of Menachem Begin; one of Israel's true founders and exceptional leaders. In addition; the reader will get a comprehensive and succinct history of the formation and growth of Israel during Mr. Begin's life.Obviously; my 5 star rating for this book is my very strong recommendation for all to read; learn and enjoy.