The Howling Storm: Weather, Climate, and the American Civil War

The Civil War was a war between the North, the South, and the weather, according to Kenneth W. Noe's book "The Howling Storm," which argues that weather and climate shaped the outcomes of battles and campaigns. He rethinks conventional explanations of battlefield victories and losses, considering how soldiers and civilians dealt with floods and droughts that beset areas of the South in 1862, 1863, and 1864.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 688 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

The Civil War, traditionally portrayed as a conflict between the North and the South, is reimagined in Kenneth W. Noe's book, "The Howling Storm." Noe argues that the war was actually a battle between the North, the South, and the weather, with climate conditions playing a significant role in shaping the outcomes of battles and campaigns.

In "The Howling Storm," Noe delves into the history of the Civil War, focusing on how weather and climate influenced the events of the time. He challenges the conventional understanding of the war as a conflict solely between the North and the South, highlighting the impact of natural disasters such as floods and droughts on the Confederate home front. These events not only affected the food supply of soldiers but also lowered morale and undermined the government's efforts to boost nationalist sentiment.

On the other hand, Union soldiers benefited from superior equipment and open supply lines, enabling them to cope successfully with the extreme conditions in the South. Their ability to navigate through floods and droughts contributed to their eventual victory in 1865.

The book also examines the unusual climate conditions during the war, including phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, which disrupted weather patterns across southern states. Noe rethinks conventional explanations of battlefield victories and losses, considering the impact of meteorological events on the strategies and decisions of soldiers and civilians.

By examining the ways in which weather and climate shaped the Civil War, "The Howling Storm" offers a fresh perspective on the conflict. It challenges long-held conclusions about the war and prompts historians to reconsider the foundational causes of the Confederate defeat. The book's comprehensive approach, coverage, and conclusions make it a valuable contribution to the study of the Civil War and its historical significance.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807180419