The Civil War is shrouded in legend and mythology--but this new entry in The Real History series provides a clear; fresh view of the events for curious readers who want an intellectual; but not dryly academic; presentation of this inexhaustibly fascinating subject. Covering everything from the roots of the conflict to Reconstruction; Axelrod addresses a range of less-discussed subjects such as the efforts made to avert war (including Lincoln's initial hesitant response); the fragmentation of popular opinion in both the North and the South' and the institutional problems that afflicted the Union and Confederate Armies. Axelrod also explores the so-called “turning points†of the war and whether slavery really was the major cause of the conflict. Diary excerpts; letters; informative sidebars; and contemporary photography; art; and maps round out this absorbing; thought-provoking study.
#28691 in Books Carol Berkin 2006-02-14 2006-02-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .60 x 5.20l; .51 #File Name: 1400075327224 pagesRevolutionary Mothers Women in the Struggle for America s Independence
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Should be a part of every American History educationBy PJacobsThis book wonderfully explained what exactly women were doing before; just after; and during the revolutionary war. It's engaging; not only enlightening the reader as to the roles and expectations of women during the period; but also including stories of individual women to support these summaries. It does a great job of telling the tales of both patriot and loyalist women; women at home left to defend themselves and their houses; camp followers; women who fought; women who spied; and black and native american women banking on being on the right side of the war. A very refreshing perspective on the time period.In case it may be triggering for anyone; I should mention rape is discussed in a small section of the book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Little Known HeroinesBy gary c. lupaWonderful collection of back stories about the supporting role played by contemporary women from all walks of life in aid of the Crown; loyalists; and patriots. The author deftly used primary source material (i.e contemporary correspondence) to tell heretofore unknown stories of ordinary people stepping out of their gender roles in response to the extraordinary circumstances brought upon by the American Revolution.Also; an excellent analysis of why the American Revolution; although a transformative event vis a vis colonial times; did not result in a significant improvement in women's economic or political status despite their extraordinary contibutions to the cause of "liberty".1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Well Done and HelpfulBy Nick and LaurenAs I've been gathering and reading books on Women in the American Revolution; Berkin's work (this book and others) consistently show up in the bibliographies. I had to read it. I'm very glad I did. Berkin clearly knows her history and how to impart the information. Each chapter centers on a different group of women - including First Nations and African-American. Berkin gives an excellent overview of the many different roles women played in this war - some good; some bad; some for Britain; so for the USA. I highly recommend this work as a starting point for more in depth research or reading about Women in the Revolution. I'm also eager to get my hands on more books by Berkin. She has several I mostly eagerly want to read.
