“The Civil War was a crucial experience in shaping the character and political life of William McKinley. In this engrossing and well-researched study; William H. Armstrong provides the most thorough treatment of McKinley’s military career and shows how his wartime record influenced his emergence as the first modern president. Armstrong is balanced and fair-minded; and his work should become the definitive account of the Civil War years of an important figure of the Gilded Age.†―Lewis L. Gould; author of The Presidency of William McKinley Major McKinley is the first complete account of the Civil War service of President William McKinley; the last of the Civil War veterans to reach the White House and the only one who served in the ranks. McKinley enlisted as a private in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (Later commanded by another future president; Rutherford B. Hayes) and was the regiment’s commissary sergeant when his bravery at the Battle of Antietam led to a commission and an assignment to Hayes’s military staff. Drawing on a wide variety of sources; including McKinley’s own paper and the diaries and letters of men who served with him; this book presents a new picture of McKinley as a soldier and provides a fresh appreciation of his later life as a veteran in politics.
#1322906 in Books University of South Carolina Press 1985Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 6.32 x 1.02l; #File Name: 0872494543262 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent book covering a fascinating period of history.By NautilusThe story of the Confederate Ironclad ships is sadly not one that is covered by a huge number of books. Luckily this niche of history has been well served by William Still's book "Iron Afloat". It's a fascinating story; that of a new nation with very limited resources using the very latest technology (and huge amounts of skill and effort) to stave off the military and economic behemoth that was the United States for 4 whole years. Highly recommended !!!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Iron Afloat: The Story of the Confederate ArmorcladsBy Peter F. LessesA lot is know about the Union ironclads; but this is the only book that delves closely into that phase of the Confederate Navy. The biggest surprise was the fate of the Atlanta; which was built on the hull of a British packet the Fingal used for blockade running. There are pictures of it taken after it was captured by two Union monitors; and it's lines and rakish apperance are impressive. It ironically wound up in the Union navy to patrol the James River and to be used against Confederate ships and shore installations.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I highly recommend this a piece to fill in a blank hole ...By Feldmar TwomblebeeThere actually was a water born element to the Civil War despite what fans of Grant and Lee might think. I highly recommend this a piece to fill in a blank hole in the puzzle.
