DOC Southern by the Grace of God by Michael Grissom in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I went to school in the North; New York ...By summer girlI went to school in the North; New York City to be precise. My school years were less than 100 years after the Civil War and we were taught the Union perspective: (1) it was all about slavery; (2) the North won; (3) the South lost. But as with most things; it was not that simple. This book gives an in depth perspective of what the South was fighting for and what it was fighting against. The writer goes back to the basic difference between the North and South which from the time of the first colonies on this land was the climate. The Mason-Dixon Line not only basically divided the country between Union and Confederate but it was the dividing line between two different climate areas of the original 13 colonies. That is the backstory to the two different cultures that developed. The beginning part of the book defines who a Southerner is and their different way of life. These are things we never learned in the history classes in the North. It tells the reader about the people. The middle and latter part of the book informs the reader about the battles of the war; the Reconstruction and about the Southern leaders and Army Generals on the Confederacy. Yes; much of it is history but it is also about the people of the South. It is a truism that the victor in a war writes the history of the war. That is unfortunate because only half the story is told. Many people from the North are moving South because of work and many more are moving South as retirees. It is worth it to them to read this book in order to understand the culture they are moving into. It is worth the read for people in the North because; once again; the research the writer did shows the Federal Government tells people only what the Federal Government wants people to know. That research now brings to light some issues about the real reason President Lincoln did not take the time nor make the effort to preserve the peace. Each reader can come to their own conclusion. The book helps the reader to realize how the cultures make up the fabric of our country.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Southern History 101By ScarletThis book is a must read for anyone in our country to understand what it means to be Southern. It is a refresher course that helps one appreciate the unique culture of the South so distinct from the North. In addition it helps the Southerner to regain a fresh appreciation of what it means to be born in the South; to renew the Southern spirit of our ancestors who understood the Declaration of Independence as the declaration that our rights come from Almighty God and the Constitution of the U.S.;the body of law to insure those rights. The book also helps one appreciate the sacrifices of those who suffered; not only the soldiers ; who gave all; but also the women and children who were left after the Northern invasion; pillaging and plundering of their country. It's a refresher course; easy to read; about our Southern heroes; so honorable in war; in victory as well as defeat. It is also a reminder of those issues; Independence for the South and Empire for the North; that led to the "War Between the States" as well as the understanding of "reconstruction" which followed in the 11 years after the war ended. I have said many times that unless one understands the issues surrounding the years 1861 to 1865 one cannot understand the issues of our day. President Davis said ; "The principle for which we contend is bound to reassert itself; though it may be at another time and in another form". This book is fun; exciting; humorous; easy reading for any who desire to understand their remarkable heritage by God's grace.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Shout Hallelujah and Amen.By David C. RumbaughThough no one can guess my origin; I 'uz borned in Georgia and so By the Grace of God; am Southern. I grew up thinking that DamnYankee was one word. then we moved first to Maryland then to Pennsylvania. And I learned that Yankee was a term used by Europeans to describe all of us Colonials. May not sound it; but am still Southern by the Grace of God.