Raising the White Flag: How Surrender Defined the American Civil War

The American Civil War saw numerous surrenders by Union and Confederate forces, with one out of every four soldiers surrendering at some point. This study by David Silkenat explores the social, political, and cultural meanings of surrender, providing new insights into prisoners of war, Confederate guerrillas, southern Unionists, and African American soldiers. It also sheds light on the culture of honor, the experience of combat, and the laws of war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2019
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

The American Civil War, a pivotal period in American history, commenced with Union troops laying down their arms at Fort Sumter in 1861. However, the war did not conclude with a single surrender, as both Union and Confederate forces engaged in numerous surrenders over the course of four years. In fact, approximately one out of every four soldiers on both sides surrendered at some point during the conflict.

This extraordinary phenomenon of surrender was unique to the American Civil War and has not been replicated in any other American war. The reasons for these surrenders were multifaceted and included social, political, and cultural factors.

In his groundbreaking book, "The Experience of Surrender: Men, Women, and the American Civil War," David Silkenat delves into the complex social, political, and cultural meanings of surrender. By examining the experiences of men who surrendered, Silkenat offers fresh perspectives on various aspects of the conflict.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the treatment of prisoners of war. Silkenat argues that the surrender of soldiers created a unique category of individuals who were subjected to a range of experiences, from harsh captivity to relative freedom. He explores the experiences of Confederate guerrillas, southern Unionists, and African American soldiers, who faced different challenges and hardships during their time in captivity.

Silkenat also sheds light on the role of honor in the Civil War. He argues that the culture of honor played a significant role in shaping the behavior of soldiers on both sides and influenced their decisions to surrender. The experience of combat, which was both physically and mentally taxing, also played a role in shaping the attitudes of soldiers toward surrender.

The laws of war also played a significant role in shaping the experiences of soldiers during the Civil War. Silkenat examines the legal frameworks that governed the treatment of prisoners and the conduct of warfare, and how these laws were interpreted and applied by both sides. He argues that the laws of war were often violated, leading to the mistreatment and suffering of soldiers on both sides.

In conclusion, the American Civil War was marked by a high frequency of surrenders, which was driven by a complex interplay of social, political, and cultural factors. David Silkenat's "The Experience of Surrender: Men, Women, and the American Civil War" provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of this pivotal period in American history by exploring the experiences of men who surrendered and the broader social, political, and cultural implications of their actions.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 239 x 166 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469649726