About the book
In the years after the Civil War, black and white Union soldiers who survived the horrific struggle joined the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — the Union army’s largest veterans' organization. In this thoroughly researched and groundbreaking study, Barbara Gannon chronicles black and white veterans' efforts to create and sustain the nation’s first interracial organization.
According to the conventional view, the freedoms and interests of African American veterans were not defended by white Union veterans after the war, despite the shared tradition of sacrifice among both black and white soldiers. In The Won Cause, however, Gannon challenges this scholarship, arguing that although black veterans still suffered under the contemporary racial mores, the GAR honored its black members in many instances and ascribed them a greater equality than previous studies have shown. Using evidence of integrated posts and veterans' thoughts on their comradeship and the cause, Gannon reveals that white veterans embraced black veterans because their membership in the GAR demonstrated that their wartime suffering created a transcendent bond — comradeship — that overcame even the most pernicious social barrier — race-based separation. By upholding a more inclusive memory of a war fought for liberty as well as union, the GAR’s “Won Cause” challenged the Lost Cause version of Civil War memory.
Editions of The Won Cause
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807834527
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469621999
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469603124
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807877708
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890882011
Read an Excerpt
In the years after the Civil War, black and white Union soldiers who survived the horrific struggle joined the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — the Union army’s largest veterans' organization. In this thoroughly researched and groundbreaking study, Barbara Gannon chronicles black and white veterans' efforts to create and sustain the nation’s first interracial organization.
According to the conventional view, the freedoms and interests of African American veterans were not defended by white Union veterans after the war, despite the shared tradition of sacrifice among both black and white soldiers. In The Won Cause, however, Gannon challenges this scholarship, arguing that although black veterans still suffered under the contemporary racial mores, the GAR honored its black members in many instances and ascribed them a greater equality than previous studies have shown. Using evidence of integrated posts and veterans' thoughts on their comradeship and the cause, Gannon reveals that white veterans embraced black veterans because their membership in the GAR demonstrated that their wartime suffering created a transcendent bond — comradeship — that overcame even the most pernicious social barrier — race-based separation. By upholding a more inclusive memory of a war fought for liberty as well as union, the GAR’s “Won Cause” challenged the Lost Cause version of Civil War memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Won Cause about?
In the years after the Civil War, black and white Union soldiers who survived the horrific struggle joined the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — the Union army’s largest veterans' organization. In this thoroughly researched and groundbreaking study, Barbara Gannon chronicles black and white veterans' efforts to create and sustain the nation’s first interracial organization.
According to the conventional view, the freedoms and interests of African American veterans were not defended by white Union veterans after the war, despite the shared tradition of sacrifice among both black and white soldiers. In The Won Cause, however, Gannon challenges this scholarship, arguing that although black veterans still suffered under the contemporary racial mores, the GAR honored its black members in many instances and ascribed them a greater equality than previous studies have shown. Using evidence of integrated posts and veterans' thoughts on their comradeship and the cause, Gannon reveals that white veterans embraced black veterans because their membership in the GAR demonstrated that their wartime suffering created a transcendent bond — comradeship — that overcame even the most pernicious social barrier — race-based separation. By upholding a more inclusive memory of a war fought for liberty as well as union, the GAR’s “Won Cause” challenged the Lost Cause version of Civil War memory.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Won Cause?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of The Won Cause?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807834527
How long is The Won Cause and how many pages does it have?
The Won Cause has 296 page(s)
Is The Won Cause part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Civil War America
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Won Cause?
Barbara A. Gannon
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Won Cause is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807834527) and paperback(ISBN 9781469621999) and ebook(ISBN 9781469603124) and ebook(ISBN 9780807877708) and pdf(ISBN 9798890882011)
Where can I buy The Won Cause online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Won Cause from below
Where can I buy The Won Cause?