The American Civil War

Author: John Keegan
Publisher: Hutchinson (Random House)
Classification: American Civil War, American History, War

The American Civil War was a truly brutal war that’s had a massive impact on how America has evolved to date. Just how much can be judged by Keegan’s closing statement:

American socialism was stillborn on the battlefields of Shiloh and Gettysburg.

It’s also one of the few wars where the loosing side wasn’t vilified in the aftermath. In fact, there’s still some romantic views of Jonny Rebb and his imperturbability. In a large part to the now famous ‘Gone with the wind’.

Keegan’s book starts off by looking at the division that really did exist between the north and south, even before the war started. And then goes on to talk about the ‘Improvised Armies’ that were created.

One of Keegan’s main points that crops up throughout the book is how the geography had such a big impact on the war. And how there was a massive inability by both sides throughout the conflict to understand this geography and use it to it’s full advantage. Particularly on a strategic rather than a tactical stage.

I have to admit that I wasn’t overlay enamoured with the first part of the book. I felt that it over stated the case that the war was about slavery, when it really wasn’t. From the South’s point of view it was about state’s rights and there need for independence. From the North’s point of view it was about maintaining the State of the Union.

This is in fact a point of view the Keegan shares (at least to some degree) and one that he confirms towards the end of the book.

On another negative note I found the English to be a little clunky in places, but this is something that I’ve come across with other American authors — so it’s probably a regional thing (I’m from the UK).

The book is well illustrated with very clear maps that help to bring to life the points being made. And help you get a glimpse of that all important geography.

There are also a number of photos showing various regiments, and perhaps more poignantly, the dead on the battle of Gettysburg. Most of these you will have seen before, but it’s right that they are here too.

If you’re interested in getting a feel for the American Civil War and it’s protagonists then this is an excellent read. If you’re after detailed discussions just of the major battles then this is probably not the book for you…

Let me know your thoughts, particularly any American readers as I’m sure this is a topic close most hearts…

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