The heroics of black Union soldiers in the Civil War have been justly celebrated; but their postwar lives largely neglected. Donald Shaffer's illuminating study shines a bright light on this previously obscure part of African American history; revealing for the first time black veterans' valiant but often frustrating efforts to secure true autonomy and equality as civilians.After the Glory shows how black veterans' experiences as soldiers provided them for the first time with a sense of manliness that shaped not only their own lives but also their contributions to the African American community. Shaffer makes clear; however; that their postwar pursuit of citizenship and a dignified manhood was never very easy for black veterans; their triumphs frequently neither complete nor lasting Shaffer chronicles the postwar transition of black veterans from the Union army; as well as their subsequent life patterns; political involvement; family and marital life; experiences with social welfare; comradeship with other veterans; and memories of the war itself. He draws on such sources as Civil War pension records to fashion a collective biography-a social history of both ordinary and notable lives-resurrecting the words and memories of many black veterans to provide an intimate view of their lives and struggles.Like other African Americans from many walks of life; black veterans fought fiercely against disenfranchisement and Jim Crow and were better equipped to do so than most other African Americans. They carried a sense of pride instilled by their military service that made them better prepared to confront racism and discrimination and more respected in their own communities. As Shaffer reveals; they also had nearly equal access to military pensions; financial resources available to few other blacks; and even found acceptance among white Union veterans in the Grand Army of the Republic fraternity.After the Glory is not merely another tale of black struggles in a racist America; it is the story of how a select group of African Americans led a quest for manhood—and often found it within themselves when no one else would give it to them.
#634895 in Books University Press of Kansas 1995-04-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.23 x .69 x 6.01l; .97 #File Name: 0700607145310 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Big Hit!By AJI bought this book for my daughter to read on a trip overseas; hoping it would be a nice distraction on the long triip. She absolutely loves it!. She feels like she gets to know the "characters" both from the author's description of the individuals and their relationships as well as the letter that are included in the book. She has an interest in this era; so it was a perfect choice; a book she could pick up and put down easily but also become engrossed in when she had the time.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. A marvelous glimpse at "the home front" during WWIIBy doc petersonCompiling 400 letters; Litoff and Smith give readers a very personal look at what World War II was life for American women at home. Reading them is an almost vouyeristic experience; as these women share their thoughts; struggles; personal victories and tragedies.The book is divided topcially rather than chronologically; giving the reader an opportunity to focus in on one aspect of the war. For example; "I Took a War Job" focuses exclusively on the liberating and empowering experience women felt in working in the defense industry (and making a man's wages.) The most touching and strongest chapter; "The Price of Victory" dealt with the loss of a loved one - husbands; brothers; lovers. The letters are from all social classes; races and parts of the country; providing a representative view; and speaking to the commonality of experiences. It is a remarkable resource; a fantastic read; and a rich collection of primary documents. For the professioal historian; I highly recommend it. For the lay reader; it is as insightful as it is fascinating. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting but not spectactularBy Customer TNIt seemed to be a jumble of letters by different couples. I was hoping it was a series of letters between just a few couples where you could actually follow and see their hardships and feelings develop over a time frame. These are more snippets of letters on specific topics such as the infamous Dear John letter; for example. It was interesting look into our history on the home front during WWII but didn't have the flow I was hoping for.
