When the Civil War began; Northern soldiers and civilians alike sought a framework to help make sense of the chaos that confronted them. Many turned first to the classic European military texts from the Napoleonic era; especially Antoine Henri Jomini's Summary of the Art of War. As Carol Reardon shows; Jomini's work was only one voice in what ultimately became a lively and contentious national discourse about how the North should conduct war at a time when warfare itself was rapidly changing. She argues that the absence of a strong intellectual foundation for the conduct of war at its start--or; indeed; any consensus on the need for such a foundation--ultimately contributed to the length and cost of the conflict.Reardon examines the great profusion of new or newly translated military texts of the Civil War years; intended to fill that intellectual void; and draws as well on the views of the soldiers and civilians who turned to them in the search for a winning strategy. In examining how debates over principles of military thought entered into the question of qualifications of officers entrusted to command the armies of Northern citizen soldiers; she explores the limitations of nineteenth-century military thought in dealing with the human elements of combat.
#2435953 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2005-09-26Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.20 x 6.42 x 9.50l; 1.68 #File Name: 0807829633400 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Civil War from a different perspective.By ptpThis is a well researched and well written piece on a little known chapter of the history of the War Between the States. The author thoughtfully analyzes the role of the yeoman farmers and poor whites in the South's bid for independence. The war was fought largely to defend the political and economic interests of Southern elites while the burden of blood and suffering was shouldered by the common people.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An in-depth examination of the efforts to the Civil War on the rural SouthBy Midwest Book ReviewThe Civil War's reconstruction process in Piney Woods Georgia is the narrowed focus of Plain Folk's Fight; an in-depth examination of the efforts to the Civil War on the rural South. Race consciousness was at the forefront of a fight by rural whites to defend their way of life in their neighborhood. These rural folk helped tip Georgia toward secession in 1861; supplied troops during the war; and found themselves divided in loyalty to the Confederate nation and their neighbors. Chapters focus on volunteer units; family organization; stories of hardship and independence; and black/white relationships affected by terrorism. Not for the casual Civil War student; but a 'most' for any serious discussion or collection.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent research and prose styleBy EastmaniteMark Wetherington spent many years researching the Ocmulgee River region in south Georgia. His two books; including this one and his other; The New South Comes to Wiregrass Georgia; give the reader much insight into the culture of the area. For Civil War enthusiasts and lovers of history; this book is a sure bet.
