America's Unending Civil War: The Enduring Conflict from Jamestown through to Recent Elections

The Civil War was an Iliad of brilliant generals, epic battles, and naval combats, with more dead than all others combined. It was caused by slavery, but also related chronic conflicts over government, citizenship, liberty, property, equality, wealth, race, identity, justice, crime, voting, power, and history. This book explores these conflicts through four centuries of a nation's history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Civil War, a pivotal period in American history, holds a profound fascination for Americans, transcending the boundaries of other wars in their collective memory. This enduring saga continues to unfold, spanning centuries and leaving a lasting impact on the nation. The war itself was a remarkable testament to the brilliance of generals such as Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan on the Union side, alongside Lee, Jackson, and Forrest on the Confederate side. It witnessed epic battles like Gettysburg and Chickamauga, epic sieges like Vicksburg and Petersburg, and epic naval engagements such as Monitor versus Merrimack and Kearsarge versus Alabama. This conflict, often referred to as America's most horrific war, claimed the lives of over 750,000 individuals, including 625,000 soldiers and 125,000 civilians. The sheer magnitude of loss and the profound impact it had on the nation's population cannot be overstated.

The reasons behind the eleven states' decision to rebel against the United States are complex and multifaceted. President Jefferson Davis provided a partial answer when he stated that if the Confederacy fell, there should be written on its tombstone, "Died of a Theory." This theory justified the enslavement of blacks by whites as a natural right and duty of a superior race over an inferior race. It was believed that this theory not only morally elevated both races but also had economic benefits. While slavery was undoubtedly the central cause of the Civil War, it was intertwined with related chronic conflicts over various aspects of government, citizenship, liberty, property, equality, wealth, race, identity, justice, crime, voting, power, and history. Some of these issues continue to resonate today, even after centuries.

America's Unending Civil War stands out as a unique and comprehensive exploration of this pivotal period in American history. Unlike countless other books on the subject, this work delves into the enduring conflicts of ideas and principles that have shaped the nation throughout its four-century journey. By examining the Civil War in the context of broader historical developments, the book offers a comprehensive perspective that sheds light on the complex tapestry of American society. It explores the philosophical, political, and social dimensions of the war, highlighting the enduring tensions and debates that continue to shape the country.

The Civil War marked a significant turning point in American history, shaping the nation's identity and trajectory for generations to come. It brought about the end of slavery, the expansion of civil rights, and the establishment of a stronger federal government. However, the war also left deep scars and unresolved conflicts that continue to influence American society today. The book's exploration of these enduring conflicts provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the nation as it continues to navigate a complex and ever-changing world.

In conclusion, America's Unending Civil War is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on this pivotal period in American history. By examining the war through the lens of enduring conflicts of ideas and principles, the book provides a deeper understanding of the nation's past and present. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of American history and society. As we continue to grapple with the legacies of the Civil War, this book offers a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399081184