Patriots Twice: Former Confederates and the Building of America After the Civil War

After the Civil War, former Confederates contributed to rebuilding America and held positions of authority and influence in the Federal government, military, academia, science, commerce, and industry. Their contributions had a lasting and positive impact on the country, and many were appointed to high-level positions by postwar presidents.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2020
Publisher: Savas Beatie

The Civil War, a protracted and devastating conflict, claimed the lives of approximately 750,000 men. Following its conclusion, former adversaries united their efforts to rebuild their shared nation - America - and forge a path toward a brighter future. However, it may come as a surprise to most modern Americans, especially in an era marked by the removal or relocation of Confederate monuments and the desecration of cemeteries. In his insightful book, Patriots Twice: Former Confederates and the Building of America after the Civil War, acclaimed author Stephen M. Hood unveils the remarkable stories of more than 200 former Confederate soldiers, sailors, and government officials who successfully reintegrated into American society and attained positions of authority and influence in the Federal government, United States military, academia, science, commerce, and industry. These individuals' contributions have left a lasting and profound impact on the country we inhabit today.

Many of the facts and anecdotes presented in Patriots Twice will undoubtedly astonish contemporary Americans. For instance, ten postwar presidents appointed former Confederates to serve as Supreme Court justices, secretaries of the US Navy, attorneys general, and a secretary of the interior. Dozens of former Southern soldiers were appointed as US ambassadors and consuls. Eight of them were appointed generals who commanded US Army troops during the Spanish-American War. Former Confederates were elected as mayors of unexpected cities such as Los Angeles, CA, Minneapolis, MN, Ogden, UT, and Santa Fe, NM, and served as governors of the non-Confederate states and territories of Colorado, West Virginia, Missouri, Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Alaska, and the Panama Canal Zone. Former Confederates also assumed leadership roles in national professional societies, including the American Bar Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Gynecological Society.

The legacy of these individuals extends beyond their political and professional achievements. They played a crucial role in bridging the divide between the North and the South, fostering reconciliation and promoting a sense of unity in a nation that had been torn apart by war. Their contributions to the rebuilding of America after the Civil War are a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.

Patriots Twice: Former Confederates and the Building of America after the Civil War is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex history of the United States and the role that former Confederates played in shaping its future. It sheds light on a period of history that is often overlooked or misunderstood, providing a fresh perspective on a critical chapter in American history. Through the stories of these individuals, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the Civil War and the challenges that the nation faced in its aftermath.

In conclusion, Patriots Twice: Former Confederates and the Building of America after the Civil War is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of American history and the remarkable contributions of former Confederates to the nation's development. It is a testament to the power of reconciliation and the enduring spirit of American resilience.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611215151