ePub The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War (The Politically Incorrect Guides) by H. W. Crocker III in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very Relevant to Today's ControversiesBy R. SchultzThis book provides a much-needed corrective to those who have forgotten what they learned in school about the complicated nature of the Civil War – or to those who never learned about those complexities in the first place. Reading it is likely to mellow those on both sides of the current debate about the statues of Civil War leaders and about related debates.The book starts with a brief consideration of some of the factors that led to the enmity between North and South. At the very beginning; the issue of tariffs loomed as large as any other issue. The industrial North was imposing stiff import tariffs in an attempt to protect their workers and to foster their own industries. This was working against the largely agricultural South that depended om manufactured imports to survive.This book is also likely to temper anyone's easy labeling of Confederate leaders as “traitors.” The South felt they were standing on the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution which affirmed the right of deeply aggrieved political entities to severe relations with larger governing bodies. If anything; the South felt justified in calling Northern leaders “traitors” to these founding principles because the North was denying the South the right to peacefully separate itself.Author H. W. Crocker goes on to briefly recount some of the primary battles of the Civil War. He summarizes the strategies used in each battle and then includes his own assessment of mistakes made by the generals. Occasionally; this smacks a little of Monday-morning quarterbacking; but will likely be of special interest to Civil War buffs.Probably the most enlightening part of the book are the sections that follow; in which Crocker gives a brief biography of each of the major military leaders on both sides of the conflict. Here it's really brought home to the reader how wrenchingly complicated the issues and loyalties of the War were. Not only did brother end up fighting against brother; but often the leaders experienced a war within themselves over where they should stand. General Lee; because of the respect he had already earned as a military and civic leader; was asked by Lincoln to lead the Union forces. After a great deal of soul-searching; he decided he could not go against his native Virginia; and instead cast his lot with the South.At that time; most individuals still considered themselves to be first and foremost citizens of their respective States; and only secondarily citizens of the U.S. as a whole. People then said “the United States are...” - not our current usage of “the United States is...”Reading these biographies; we realize how much the generals of both sides had in common. The majority of leaders in both the North and the South felt that slavery was an evil institution; but that it should be allowed to fall naturally of its own weight; as it was doing; or as it had done; in many countries in the Western Hemisphere; without civil wars. Paradoxically; some Southern generals actually felt more strongly that slavery should end than some Northern generals did. Lincoln himself was accused of endlessly waffling on the issue of slavery. He put the saving of the Union first and foremost. He wrote in a newspaper response letter; “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it.”Sadly; another thing some Northern and Southern leaders had in common was a lack of regard for human life. Reading these pages; you often get a sense that many of the military men were like little boys; in it for the love of the clash and clang of battle. Northern General Sheridan spurred on his commanders by invoking his motto - “Go in and get some of your men killed!”The men on both sides also were alike in often having very little regard for the lives and suffering of animals. When Southern General Longstreet saw that a comrade's horse had had its legs shot out from under it; leaving his uninjured comrade to flounder trying to dismount the horse as it rolled in agony on its belly – Longstreet could only laugh at comrade's ludicrous predicament.On the whole; I found this book to be sufficiently fair to be taken seriously. Although Shelby Foote; acclaimed as the definitive PBS historian of the Civil War; died before the current controversy over the removal of statues erupted; he did register his views on the display of the Confederate flag. In so doing; he made many of the same points made in this book countervailing some of the extreme interpretations of “traitor; racist; etc.” that are currently being tossed around. So I felt I could trust the general sentiment of this book.There are a few times when Crocker does seem to slant the facts in order to improve the case for the South's side. He says the Emancipation Proclamation didn't free a single slave. Well; a few legalists have made that point; but as a matter of fact; the Proclamation did almost immediately make a big difference in the lives of many slaves and was celebrated as a decisive move in releasing them.This PI Guide to the Civil War is easy to read. It's formatted much like the series of “for Dummies” books are formatted – with frequent sidebars containing interesting incidental factoids and recommendations for further reading. Crocker also leavens this weighty subject with occasional humor. He says Northern General McClellan believed that if anything was to be done right; he had to do it himself. He inserted himself everywhere; micromanaging the battles. Crocker concludes that “he would have been in favor of cloning.”There are some minor amendments and improvements I would have made to the book. For one thing; Crocker doesn't make it clear that there were TWO Southern Generals Johnston; unrelated to each other. So his passages on this score get confusing. Then I would have included maps showing the location of the battles and some of the key locations of deployed forces.In a variety of other book reviews I've done; I've suggested reading the works of noted urbanologist Jane Jacobs as follow-up to issues raised. Surprisingly; I think Jacobs has something of compelling interest to contribute to these reflections on the Civil War. In one of her lesser known works; “The Question of Separatism: Quebec and the Struggle Over Sovereignty;” she makes some stunningly apt and unique suggestions for how the War might have been avoided.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Recommended for anyone who wants to know the truthBy Meredith GrayAll of the Regnery Politically Incorrect Books are worth owning; sharing; spreading around. With the way history is constantly being revised and re-written; it is refreshing to just get the facts; without a lot of looking-through-the-rear-view-mirror. It makes me just want to come up screaming with what the media get away with twisting facts to suit their personal agenda. This is a very well-written; well-documented and FACTUAL book. Recommended for anyone who wants to know the truth.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy R. ThompsonMost of these Civil War books are boring. This one is an easy read and very informative. Highly recommend.