About the book
The Army of the Potomac was a hotbed of political activity during the Civil War. As a source of dissent widely understood as a frustration for Abraham Lincoln, its onetime commander, George B. McClellan, even secured the Democratic nomination for president in 1864. But in this comprehensive reassessment of the army’s politics, Zachery A. Fry argues that the war was an intense political education for its common soldiers. Fry examines several key crisis points to show how enlisted men developed political awareness that went beyond personal loyalties. By studying the struggle between Republicans and Democrats for political allegiance among the army’s rank and file, Fry reveals how captains, majors, and colonels spurred a pro-Republican political awakening among the enlisted men, culminating in the army’s resounding Republican voice in state and national elections in 1864.
For decades, historians have been content to view the Army of the Potomac primarily through the prism of its general officer corps, portraying it as an arm of the Democratic Party loyal to McClellan’s leadership and legacy. Fry, in contrast, shifts the story’s emphasis to resurrect the successful efforts of proadministration junior officers who educated their men on the war’s political dynamics and laid the groundwork for Lincoln’s victory in 1864.
Editions of A Republic in the Ranks
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469654454
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469677422
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469654478
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890856999
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469654461
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890856982
Read an Excerpt
The Army of the Potomac was a hotbed of political activity during the Civil War. As a source of dissent widely understood as a frustration for Abraham Lincoln, its onetime commander, George B. McClellan, even secured the Democratic nomination for president in 1864. But in this comprehensive reassessment of the army’s politics, Zachery A. Fry argues that the war was an intense political education for its common soldiers. Fry examines several key crisis points to show how enlisted men developed political awareness that went beyond personal loyalties. By studying the struggle between Republicans and Democrats for political allegiance among the army’s rank and file, Fry reveals how captains, majors, and colonels spurred a pro-Republican political awakening among the enlisted men, culminating in the army’s resounding Republican voice in state and national elections in 1864.
For decades, historians have been content to view the Army of the Potomac primarily through the prism of its general officer corps, portraying it as an arm of the Democratic Party loyal to McClellan’s leadership and legacy. Fry, in contrast, shifts the story’s emphasis to resurrect the successful efforts of proadministration junior officers who educated their men on the war’s political dynamics and laid the groundwork for Lincoln’s victory in 1864.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Republic in the Ranks about?
The Army of the Potomac was a hotbed of political activity during the Civil War. As a source of dissent widely understood as a frustration for Abraham Lincoln, its onetime commander, George B. McClellan, even secured the Democratic nomination for president in 1864. But in this comprehensive reassessment of the army’s politics, Zachery A. Fry argues that the war was an intense political education for its common soldiers. Fry examines several key crisis points to show how enlisted men developed political awareness that went beyond personal loyalties. By studying the struggle between Republicans and Democrats for political allegiance among the army’s rank and file, Fry reveals how captains, majors, and colonels spurred a pro-Republican political awakening among the enlisted men, culminating in the army’s resounding Republican voice in state and national elections in 1864.
For decades, historians have been content to view the Army of the Potomac primarily through the prism of its general officer corps, portraying it as an arm of the Democratic Party loyal to McClellan’s leadership and legacy. Fry, in contrast, shifts the story’s emphasis to resurrect the successful efforts of proadministration junior officers who educated their men on the war’s political dynamics and laid the groundwork for Lincoln’s victory in 1864.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Republic in the Ranks?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of A Republic in the Ranks?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469654454
How long is A Republic in the Ranks and how many pages does it have?
A Republic in the Ranks has 336 page(s)
Is A Republic in the Ranks 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 A Republic in the Ranks?
Zachery A. Fry
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Republic in the Ranks is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469654454) and paperback(ISBN 9781469677422) and ebook(ISBN 9781469654478) and ebook(ISBN 9798890856999) and ebook(ISBN 9781469654461) and pdf(ISBN 9798890856982)
Where can I buy A Republic in the Ranks online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A Republic in the Ranks from below
Where can I buy A Republic in the Ranks?