The sesquicentennial of the American Civil War presents a unique opportunity to consider the motivation behind General Robert E. Lee’s efforts to defend the Confederacy against his once beloved United States. What will be learned from this book is that General Lee was following in the footsteps of his idol General George Washington. General Lee was not fighting to perpetuate and expand slavery; self-aggrandizement; or military glory. He was fighting for the 1776 principles of government based upon the consent of the governed; the 1789 principles of the rule of law; and for a Judeo-Christian based civilization. While Lee’s military genius and commitment to duty are widely acknowledged; his political acumen is; for the most part; underrated. Master of the art of politics as much as war; which is politics by other means; Lee considered both normative arts concerned with the happiness and noble actions of the citizens. In fact; Lee’s successes and failures on the battlefield were due in large measure to his worldview that if the Confederacy were to survive its citizenry must act nobly. According to Lee; it is in noble actions that human happiness is to be achieved. For Lee; the soldier and citizen performing their respective duties were on the paths to individual happiness and; ultimately; a free and independent CSA. In The Enduring Relevance of Robert E. Lee Marshall L. DeRosa uses the American Civil War and the figure of Robert E. Lee to consider the role of political leadership under extremely difficult circumstances and the proper response to those circumstances. DeRosa examines Lee as a politician rather than just a military leader and finds that many of Lee’s assertions are still relevant today. DeRosa reveals Lee’s insights and his awareness that the victory of the Union over the Confederacy placed America on the path towards the demise of government based upon the consent of the governed; the rule of law; and the Judeo-Christian American civilization.
#2997965 in Books 2014-08-27Original language:English 9.00 x .43 x 6.00l; #File Name: 1495943852182 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. a great source for information about a unique era and familyBy Clyde Osterhouta great source for information about a unique era and family. Especially if you a part of that family; as I am! But the book has a very narrow focus; and would be if limited interest to most people.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Rich and Moving Historical Legacy of the Dutch and one family in the New WorldBy KeesThis is a rich portrait not only of the history of a family but also an important part of American history. The Dutch settlers who arrive in the colony of New Amsterdam were important contributors to the development of the United States. There is a long history of the Dutch in American history including the only president who spoke English as a second language. The story of the descendents of Jan Jansen van Oosterhout is a moving tribute and example of how the Dutch settled; integrated; and created a key part of New York. The interweaving of personal with historical information provides a rich and moving narrative. The illustrations help bring to life not only the history of a single family but also the legacy of the Dutch. The historical research done by the author is impressive particularly given that Jan Jansen van Oosterhout was likely one of less than 50;000 settlers when he arrived in New Amsterdam in the 1650s. This book would be very valuable for anyone interested in the Dutch in the New World as well as anyone interested in family histories. This book is a treasure for all future descendents of Jan Jansen van Oosterhout.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A CHARMING LITTLE BOOK: a real gemBy Lawrence TullerThe Osterhoudts of East Wood Farm will tickle the fancy of anyone interested in or curious about the history of the middle Hudson River valley. Across the river from the East Wood farm; the historic town of Rhinebeck; New York and the estates of FDR and Elenor Roosevelt is worth a mini-vacation. Sadd the East Wood Farm and both sides of the Hudson come alive with scenes of yesteryear; in many respects the land that time forgot. At the same time modern day roads and a few restaurents afford amenities for the weary traveler.Although in the beginning; I had only mild interest in the western side of the Hudson; I still thoroughly enjoyed this little book. The pictures (in color and black and white) alone are worth the price of the book.I had little interest in th genealogy of the Osterhoudt family. Still; I found the detail that Berkey researched both fascinating and educational. This is a good book. If you don’t know the middle Hudson River valley; you’ll lesarn a lot. If you are familiar with the area thisbook will be even more fun. For $13.00 you can’t go wrong
