In his masterpiece; Jefferson Davis; American; William J. Cooper; Jr.; crafted a sweeping; definitive biography and established himself as the foremost scholar on the intriguing Confederate president. Cooper narrows his focus considerably in Jefferson Davis and the Civil War Era; training his expert eye specifically on Davis's participation in and influence on events central to the American Civil War. Nine self-contained essays address how Davis reacted to and dealt with a variety of issues that were key to the coming of the war; the war itself; or in memorializing the war; sharply illuminating Davis's role during those turbulent years.Cooper opens with an analysis of Davis as an antebellum politician; challenging the standard view of Davis as either a dogmatic priest of principle or an inept bureaucrat. Next; he looks closely at Davis's complex association with secession; which included; surprisingly; a profound devotion to the Union. Six studies explore Davis and the Confederate experience; with topics including states' rights; the politics of command and strategic decisions; Davis in the role of war leader; the war in the West; and the meaning of the war. The final essay compares and contrasts Davis's first inauguration in Montgomery; Alabama; in 1861 with a little-known dedication of a monument to Confederate soldiers in the same city twenty-five years later. In 1886; Davis -- an old man of seventy-eight and in poor health -- had himself become a living monument; Cooper explains; and was an essential element in the formation of the Lost Cause ideology.Cooper's succinct interpretations provide straightforward; compact; and deceptively deep new approaches to understanding Davis during the most critical time in his life. Certain to stimulate further thought and spark debate; Jefferson Davis and the Civil War Era offers rare insight into one of American history's most complicated and provocative figures.
#1740456 in Books Louisiana State Univ Pr 1994-09-01 1994-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.97 x .50 x 6.05l; .73 #File Name: 080711961X240 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Story of an Obscure BattleBy Carl RobinsonPort Hudson Confederate Bastion on the Mississippi is the story of an obscure; but large; Civil War battle and siege of the Confederate garrison; at Port Hudson; Louisiana. This detachment was positioned at a critical location along the Father of Waters to keep Union commerce from flowing from the Mid-West to the port of New Orleans and thence to the world. Confederate Control of the Mississippi caused Lincoln to lose Congress in the 1862 election to the opposition party.As a result of this setback; Lincoln detailed the Union Army and Navy to take control of the Mississippi. In the north; Grant besieged Vicksburg. In the south; General Nathaniel Prentice Banks led a joint Army-Navy force to capture Port Hudson. Like Vicksburg; the initial assault is repulsed and the Yankees are forced to lay siege. Port Hudson surrenders after Vicksburg capitulates.The book focuses on the main assault; naval operations; and provides a balanced view of the Union Army's first use of black troops. The author leaves out many of the details of the siege as the affair is an agony of boredom until the surrender.Further discussion of the larger campaign; "Admiral" (then a Lieutenant) Dewey's escapades on a gunboat in battle with the Confederates; as well as the what ifs-had Banks won the battle before Grant won a Vicksburg; he could have wound up the overall Commander of the Union Army.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Better than expectedBy Robert C. RandallThe Book Looks like it is brand New. Very Good Account of the Battel. P.S. My greatgrandfather Was in The Third Massachusetts Cavalry and participated in the Port Hudson Battle. In his three years of service he was in 15 Batties. He died on Dec. 28; 1939 at the age of 97 years. At the time I was 7 years old.0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Port Hudson; Confederate Bastion on the Mississippi through By J. M. VerboisThis is a book of the battle of Port Hudson; Civil War account of how Port Hudson changed the strategy of the civil war. History buffs; good book.
