About the book
In the first comprehensive study of the experience of Virginia soldiers and their families in the Civil War, Aaron Sheehan-Dean captures the inner world of the rank-and-file. Utilizing new statistical evidence and first-person narratives, Sheehan-Dean explores how Virginia soldiers — even those who were nonslaveholders — adapted their vision of the war’s purpose to remain committed Confederates.
Sheehan-Dean challenges earlier arguments that middle- and lower-class southerners gradually withdrew their support for the Confederacy because their class interests were not being met. Instead he argues that Virginia soldiers continued to be motivated by the profound emotional connection between military service and the protection of home and family, even as the war dragged on. The experience of fighting, explains Sheehan-Dean, redefined southern manhood and family relations, established the basis for postwar race and class relations, and transformed the shape of Virginia itself. He concludes that Virginians' experience of the Civil War offers important lessons about the reasons we fight wars and the ways that those reasons can change over time.
Editions of Why Confederates Fought
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807831588
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807861844
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469605203
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807887653
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893132694
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890881755
Read an Excerpt
In the first comprehensive study of the experience of Virginia soldiers and their families in the Civil War, Aaron Sheehan-Dean captures the inner world of the rank-and-file. Utilizing new statistical evidence and first-person narratives, Sheehan-Dean explores how Virginia soldiers — even those who were nonslaveholders — adapted their vision of the war’s purpose to remain committed Confederates.
Sheehan-Dean challenges earlier arguments that middle- and lower-class southerners gradually withdrew their support for the Confederacy because their class interests were not being met. Instead he argues that Virginia soldiers continued to be motivated by the profound emotional connection between military service and the protection of home and family, even as the war dragged on. The experience of fighting, explains Sheehan-Dean, redefined southern manhood and family relations, established the basis for postwar race and class relations, and transformed the shape of Virginia itself. He concludes that Virginians' experience of the Civil War offers important lessons about the reasons we fight wars and the ways that those reasons can change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Why Confederates Fought about?
In the first comprehensive study of the experience of Virginia soldiers and their families in the Civil War, Aaron Sheehan-Dean captures the inner world of the rank-and-file. Utilizing new statistical evidence and first-person narratives, Sheehan-Dean explores how Virginia soldiers — even those who were nonslaveholders — adapted their vision of the war’s purpose to remain committed Confederates.
Sheehan-Dean challenges earlier arguments that middle- and lower-class southerners gradually withdrew their support for the Confederacy because their class interests were not being met. Instead he argues that Virginia soldiers continued to be motivated by the profound emotional connection between military service and the protection of home and family, even as the war dragged on. The experience of fighting, explains Sheehan-Dean, redefined southern manhood and family relations, established the basis for postwar race and class relations, and transformed the shape of Virginia itself. He concludes that Virginians' experience of the Civil War offers important lessons about the reasons we fight wars and the ways that those reasons can change over time.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Why Confederates Fought?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Why Confederates Fought?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807831588
How long is Why Confederates Fought and how many pages does it have?
Why Confederates Fought has 312 page(s)
Is Why Confederates Fought 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 Why Confederates Fought?
Aaron Sheehan-Dean
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Why Confederates Fought is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807831588) and paperback(ISBN 9780807861844) and ebook(ISBN 9781469605203) and ebook(ISBN 9780807887653) and ebook(ISBN 9798893132694) and pdf(ISBN 9798890881755)
Where can I buy Why Confederates Fought online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Why Confederates Fought from below
Where can I buy Why Confederates Fought?