The Army of the Potomac was a hotbed of political activity during
the Civil War. As a source of dissent widely understood as a
frustration for Abraham Lincoln, its onetime commander, George B.
McClellan, even secured the Democratic nomination for president in
1864. But in this comprehensive reassessment of the army's
politics, Zachery A. Fry argues that the war was an intense
political education for its common soldiers. Fry examines several
key "crisis points" to show how enlisted men developed political
awareness that went beyond personal loyalties. By studying the
struggle between Republicans and Democrats for political allegiance
among the army's rank and file, Fry reveals how captains, majors,
and colonels spurred a pro-Republican political awakening among the
enlisted men, culminating in the army's resounding Republican voice
in state and national elections in 1864. For decades, historians
have been content to view the Army of the Potomac primarily through
the prism of its general officer corps, portraying it as an arm of
the Democratic Party loyal to McClellan's leadership and legacy.
Fry, in contrast, shifts the story's emphasis to resurrect the
successful efforts of pro administration junior officers who
educated their men on the war's political dynamics and laid the
groundwork for Lincoln's victory in 1864.
General
Imprint: |
The University of North Carolina Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Series: |
Civil War America |
Release date: |
April 2020 |
Authors: |
Zachery A. Fry
|
Dimensions: |
235 x 155 x 32mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
336 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-4696-5445-4 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-4696-5445-8 |
Barcode: |
9781469654454 |
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!