ebooks War upon the Land: Military Strategy and the Transformation of Southern Landscapes during the American Civil War (Environmental History and the American South Ser.) by Lisa Brady in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An examination of the impact of war on nature; using case studies from the Civil War.By lyndonbrechtI just reread this book after reading it several years ago. Environmental history is a major interest of mine; and looking at the Civil War through an environmental lens; as Brady puts it; is interesting. War and the environment is an emerging subfield. I think I better understand her point after the reread. Brady sees nature as an important historical agent; an agent without intent or consciousness but still an agent. This is an arguable point. Having "agency" usually means both intent and conscious use of whatever power the agent has to affect something. Brady makes a case for it; not entirely convincing; but interesting. Nature is not static; and this may affect military operations. This would mean rising and falling waters; weather; temperatures; mud; and such; things that change.Brady also posits the landscape is a mix of nature and human activity. It seems to be this rather than nature as a whole that she's looking at. She uses the term "agroecosystem" and certainly the North made war on the Southern landscape; notably in Sherman's marches through Georgia and the Carolinas. Structures were burned; crops destroyed; domestic animals killed or carried off; the infrastructure damaged as much as possible. Brady looks at Grant's Vicksburg campaign; in two chapters; Sherman's march; and then Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah as case studies.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A unique look at the American Civil WarBy T. GuillWar Upon the Land is a unique and highly engaging examination of the American Civil War through the lens of environmental history. Brady is able to clearly demonstrate a very fascinating aspect of this conflict; and the societies the fought it; by exploring how each side viewed their natural surroundings. By using a wide range of sources Brady artfully engages the reader to take into account the physical environment in which the war was fought in a manner that is both clear and powerful.I would highly suggest War Upon the Land to anyone interested in military; or environmental history.