War on Record: The Archive and the Afterlife of the Civil War

The Civil War archive in the United States is a vast collection of official records that have shaped our understanding of the war, including the War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and the Confederate Armies. Yael Sternhell's book explores how these records have been used to shape myths, hide truths, perpetuate rancor, and foster reconciliation, and reveals their power as a historical actor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

The Civil War was a pivotal period in American history that resulted in the creation of a vast archive of official records that would shape the postwar era and determine what future generations would know about the war. These records, which include documents such as letters, telegrams, and reports, were generated by various government agencies, military units, and private individuals during the conflict. The collection of these records was a significant undertaking, and it took many years for them to be organized and made available to the public.

The War of the Rebellion: The Official Records of the Union and the Confederate Armies, also known as the OR, is the most important historical collection ever assembled in the United States. It contains over 7 million pages of documents, including military records, government papers, and personal letters. The OR is the ultimate source for generations of scholars, writers, and ordinary citizens researching the Civil War.

Yael Sternhell, a historian and author of the book "The Civil War Archive: A History of America's Greatest Archival Project," has written extensively about the Civil War archive and its significance. In her book, Sternhell traces the history of the OR from its creation during the war to its deployment in various postwar battles, including those between the federal government and Southerners seeking reparations and between veterans blaming each other for defeat.

Sternhell argues that the Civil War archive has the power to shape myths, hide truths, perpetuate rancor, and foster reconciliation. She demonstrates how the archive has been used by different groups to promote their own agendas and how it has been misinterpreted by historians and the public. For example, the archive has been used to support the myth that the Civil War was primarily about slavery, while in reality, it was about a variety of issues, including economic inequality, state rights, and cultural differences.

Sternhell also highlights the importance of preserving the Civil War archive for future generations. She argues that the archive is a valuable resource for understanding the past and for learning from our mistakes. By studying the records of the war, we can better understand the causes of conflict and the factors that led to the Civil War. We can also learn from the mistakes that were made during the war, such as the failure to preserve the peace and the treatment of African Americans and other marginalized groups.

In conclusion, the Civil War archive is a significant historical actor in its own right. It has the power to shape myths, hide truths, perpetuate rancor, and foster reconciliation. By studying the records of the war, we can better understand the past and learn from our mistakes. The preservation of the archive is essential for future generations and for promoting a more informed and understanding society.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 165 x 245 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300234145