Black Flag over Dixie: Racial Atrocities and Reprisals in the Civil War highlights the central role that race played in the Civil War by examining some of the ugliest incidents that played out on its battlefields. Challenging the American public’s perception of the Civil War as a chivalrous family quarrel; twelve rising and prominent historians show the conflict to be a wrenching social revolution whose bloody excesses were exacerbated by racial hatred. Edited by Gregory J. W. Urwin; this compelling volume focuses on the tendency of Confederate troops to murder black Union soldiers and runaway slaves and divulges the details of black retaliation and the resulting cycle of fear and violence that poisoned race relations during Reconstruction. In a powerful introduction to the collection; Urwin reminds readers that the Civil War was both a social and a racial revolution. As the heirs and defenders of a slave society’s ideology; Confederates considered African Americans to be savages who were incapable of waging war in a civilized fashion. Ironically; this conviction caused white Southerners to behave savagely themselves. Under the threat of Union retaliation; the Confederate government backed away from failing to treat the white officers and black enlisted men of the United States Colored Troops as legitimate combatants. Nevertheless; many rebel commands adopted a no-prisoners policy in the field. When the Union’s black defenders responded in kind; the Civil War descended to a level of inhumanity that most Americans prefer to forget.In addition to covering the war’s most notorious massacres at Olustee; Fort Pillow; Poison Spring; and the Crater; Black Flag over Dixie examines the responses of Union soldiers and politicians to these disturbing and unpleasant events; as well as the military; legal; and moral considerations that sometimes deterred Confederates from killing all black Federals who fell into their hands. Twenty photographs and a map of massacre and reprisal sites accompany the volume. The contributors are Gregory J. W. Urwin; Anne J. Bailey; Howard C. Westwood; James G. Hollandsworth Jr.; David J. Coles; Albert Castel; Derek W. Frisby; Weymouth T. Jordan Jr.; Gerald W. Thomas; Bryce A. Suderow; Chad L. Williams; and Mark Grimsley.
#355527 in Books 1988-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.12 x .86 x 6.02l; .97 #File Name: 0809128381336 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy ElimianI am almost finished with the reading of this volume as I am also reading the Kindle edition of the Complete Works of Dionysius the Areopagite. This volume presents the reader with a modern translation of the works; a critical apparatus of introductions and notes; and a fairly easy approach to the writings of a great early Christian writer. Often underestimated; this ancient author has a great place in the mystical aspect of Christianity. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes not only to know more about early Christianity; but wishes also to deepen his or her spirituality.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Spiritual ClassicBy Lucidity111I have known of Pseudo-Dionysius for some time have always loved his work. First let me say its a very well made addition; the pages are of high quality thick paper; which is great if your like me like to highlight certain parts the whole book is just in general well put together. But about Pseudo-Dionysius; in my view he is one of the best Christian/Neo-platonic writters who have ever lived. He speaks so clearly about the most profound things; he points us in the direction of the source of all things 'the One' explaining what must be done to be lifted up "beyond unknowing light" the Bliss of resting in our divine source. This book isnt just for 'Christians' but for any one interested in philosophy; theology; Mysticism; in particulare platonism. This book is a light in my life; a source of inspiration on my personal spiritual journey will continue to be for the rest of my life.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Required reading for the soulBy Richard O'brienAs these sort of works go; Pseudo Dionysius's works definitely add depth and help sort out passages of the bible and practices within the Christian faith.I recommend skipping the introductory material in the beginning of this edition and simply reading Pseudo Dionysius's books and letters first. Then you can go back to the introductory material. I say this only because I like to skip any and all introductory material in any book I read because these essays were never included in original versions.I am grateful for this series (Classics of Western Spirituality) and while the 'Ecclesiastical Hierarchy' book within this collection has more to do with those seeking the vocation; there are observations and such that will open the lay person's mind to new ideas.
