American Iliad

by Roland, Charles P.

• ISBN13: 9780813123004
• ISBN10: 0813123003
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-01-09
• Publisher: Univ Pr of Kentucky

Summary

" An updated edition of this concise yet comprehensive history of the Civil War, written by a distinguished historian of the conflict. Charles Roland skillfully interweaves the story of battles and campaigns with accounts of the major political, diplomatic, social, and cultural events of the epoch and insightful sketches of the leading actors. Of prime interest are the contrasts he draws between the opposing presidents and generals. What traits, he asks, made Lincoln superior to Davis as a war leader? How were Union military leaders able to forge a more effective fighting force, a more comprehensive strategy than their opponents? Roland's thoughtful anwers and his recognition of the contadictions of human nature and the interpaly of intention and chance raise this book above a mere recounting of military events. The story of the Civil War is the epic of the American people. Never has it been told more movingly.

Author Biography

Charles P. Roland is professor emeritus of history at the University of Kentucky.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
The Final Compromise	1	(14)
A Parting of the Ways	15	(15)
The Resort to Arms	30	(13)
Mobilization and Early Campaigns	43	(25)
Emerging Generals and Escalating Combat	68	(20)
Union Government, Administration, and Emancipation	88	(14)
Confederate Government and Administration	102	(15)
The Strategic Balance	117	(17)
The Turn of the Tide of Battle	134	(22)
The Contest for European Favor	156	(12)
Military Success and Political Victory	168	(23)
The Resurgent North	191	(17)
The Beleaguered South	208	(22)
The Union Triumphant	230	(18)
Reflections on Men and Measures	248	(8)
Sequel	256	(11)
Sources	267	(9)
Index	276