Loading...

Messages

Proposals

Stuck in your homework and missing deadline? Get urgent help in $10/Page with 24 hours deadline

Get Urgent Writing Help In Your Essays, Assignments, Homeworks, Dissertation, Thesis Or Coursework & Achieve A+ Grades.

Privacy Guaranteed - 100% Plagiarism Free Writing - Free Turnitin Report - Professional And Experienced Writers - 24/7 Online Support

James m mcpherson for cause and comrades

25/10/2021 Client: muhammad11 Deadline: 2 Day

Book Review: For Cause And Comrades

The Cause and Comrades

The cause and comrades: why men fought in the civil War is a book that do provides reasons why people went to war through the lens of the Civil War Soldiers. James McPherson does use the letters and diaries of over one thousand men from both Union and confederate armies to argue out his points. He documents their feelings, emotions and thoughts regarding their reasons of going to war. The book, however do not have recordings on the experience of the Black union men with the letters and diaries being used accounting to less than one percent of the total letters and diaries used. McPherson states that radical underrepresentation of the black Union soldiers and sailors could majorly be due the fact that a huge percentage of the black soldiers were illiterate. This means that they could not read or write letters to their families while at war.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Hubbs, G. Ward. ": Why Confederates Fought: Family and Nation in Civil War Virginia.(Civil War America.)." The American Historical Review 114, no. 2 (2009): 443-44. doi:10.1086/ahr.114.2.443.]

McPherson provides detailed demographic information of the soldiers. Despite having done plenty of research McPherson does have inconclusive investigation. He argues the readers to view the works as a representation of the fighting solder in 1861 and 1862. This population is majorly white men from middle and upper-class homes who had left home for their first time to participate to what is known to be one of the bloodiest wars in American history. The book leaves one asking the question as to who were the core group of committed men that populated Civil War armies. What made them remain dedicated? And to what extend do the letters help the readers to understand how they conceived their contribution to war?[footnoteRef:2] [2: Jonathan M. Steplyk, Review of Sing Not War: The Lives of Union and Confederate Veterans in Gilded Age America, by JamesMarten. Alabama Review 65, no. 2 (April 2012): 143. ]

The conceptual framework structure used by McPherson in the books is borrowed from Jonh A. Lynn a famous historian in the French Revolution. The framework contains three parts which are initial motivation, sustaining motivation and combat motivation. Initial motivation aims to find the reasons why people went to war. Sustaining motivation refers to how soldiers at war are able to maintain themselves and combat motivation is what gave them strength and courage when in face of extreme danger. McPherson states “the motives of the many volunteers were mixed in a way that was impossible to disentangle in their own minds” [footnoteRef:3] leading to them developing an impressionistic image that is hugely affected by the hindsight. [3: James M. McPherson, For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), page number.]

McPherson states that the soldiers that participated in the civil war were convinced of ideals for which they fought throughout the conflict. Duty, honor and religion presented as their source of strength at war. The writing the soldiers indicated that the soldiers had strong belief in what they fought for. In one of the letter the soldier writes to his parents stating “While duty calls me here and my country demands my services I should be willing to make the sacrifice,”[footnoteRef:4]. The soldiers are stated to be proud of being involved in upholding their honor. There was nothing pleasing to them than Liberty, freedom; justice and patriotism were the principles in which the individuals fought for. They believed that a soldier had to defend their country honor and manhood no matter the costs. One of the soldier wrote, “I Prefer death to disgrace”.[footnoteRef:5] [4: Ibid., 1] [5: Ibid., 2]

In the writing of the book McPherson relies on the information from 25,000 letters and 250 private emails of the soldiers that participated in the war. The advantage that comes with these letters and diaries is that they were uncensored.[footnoteRef:6] This means that the soldiers were allowed to be frank about their feelings in the war. Any criticism was welcomed. This is the major reason why the book is moving and true compared to most of the books of war. It is also important to point out the fact that soldiers presented themselves as among the most literate during this time. The letters were the only way in which they retain the link with their family members and friends back at home.[footnoteRef:7] [6: Daniel Sutherland. (1997). For cause and comrades: Why men fought in the civil war (review). Project muse. ] [7: James M. McPherson, For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), page number. ]

McPherson points out the fact that the exchanges used were between men and women of close relationships (lovers, sisters, mothers and etc.) It can be noted masculinity was a virtue desired by many in America. The war came at a time when men were considered honorable when they are able to defend their families, and belief.[footnoteRef:8] It is for this reason that issue of masculinity was evident in almost all private messages. War was considered an act to separate men from boys and McPherson brings out this fact well. There was a clear understanding of gender and social behaviors by citizens. In contrast, the Southern Confederacy were not considered honorable in that most of the soldiers professed their desire to be honorable men. The only way they could be considered honorable is if they could join their fellow men in the war. [8: Jensen, Branscombe. For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War. By James McPherson. Texas Christian University review (n.d) ]

Both the North and South were defined with “honor” having different commitments. McPherson insinuates that the foundation of American Republic was majorly based on the Northerners and Southerners defending their honor. While the aim to upheld honor of their nation by punishing rebels to defend the existence of the union guiding principles of 1776, the Southerners felt that it was honorable to defend their homeland from tyrannical attacks from the North. McPherson also point out the irony that exists in the war. Thomas Jefferson, who advocates for liberty, is known not to be a liberator himself, in that he is one of the biggest slave owners. It leads to him concluding that slavery and liberty were dependent on each other and that slavery was the only way liberty could be defended.[footnoteRef:9] [9: Roessler, Philip, and Harry Verhoeven. "Why Comrades Go to War." Oxford Scholarship Online, 2017. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190611354.003.0013. ]

McPherson states, “When primary groups disintegrated from disease, casualties, transfers, and promotions, these larger ideals [of nationalism, liberty democracy, self-government, and so on] remained as the glue that held the armies together” [footnoteRef:10] This statement aims to depict the fact that soldiers religious beliefs and emotional bond formed the basis for morale while at war. [footnoteRef:11]The book also goes further do the express the fact that the soldiers were updated with the current political situation in the country while at war. [footnoteRef:12] “The Civil War patriotism was not the last refuge of the scoundrel; it was the credo of the fighting soldier”. [footnoteRef:13] (McPherson, 103). Despite the fact that many readers could disagree with this fact the book presents plenty of evidence to support this case. The book would be a great source of the literature for individuals studying the American history. It provides plenty of information on American Civil War. [10: James M. McPherson, For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), page number. ] [11: Lesley Gordon. For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War. By James M. McPherson. Indiana Magazine of history review (n.d) ] [12: Ibid., 1 ] [13: Ibid., 1 ]

Bibliography

Hubbs, G. Ward. ": Why Confederates Fought: Family and Nation in Civil War Virginia.(Civil War America.)." The American Historical Review 114, no. 2 (2009): 443-44. doi:10.1086/ahr.114.2.443.

Jonathan M. Steplyk, Review of Sing Not War: The Lives of Union and Confederate Veterans in Gilded Age America, by James Marten. Alabama Review 65, no. 2 (April 2012): 143.

James M. McPherson, For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), page number.

Roessler, Philip, and Harry Verhoeven. "Why Comrades Go to War." Oxford Scholarship Online, 2017. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190611354.003.0013.

Daniel Sutherland. (1997). For cause and comrades: Why men fought in the civil war (review). Project muse.

Jensen, Branscombe. For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War. By James McPherson. Texas Christian University review (n.d)

Lesley Gordon. For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War. By James M. McPherson. Indiana Magazine of history review (n.d)

Homework is Completed By:

Writer Writer Name Amount Client Comments & Rating
Instant Homework Helper

ONLINE

Instant Homework Helper

$36

She helped me in last minute in a very reasonable price. She is a lifesaver, I got A+ grade in my homework, I will surely hire her again for my next assignments, Thumbs Up!

Order & Get This Solution Within 3 Hours in $25/Page

Custom Original Solution And Get A+ Grades

  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • Proper APA/MLA/Harvard Referencing
  • Delivery in 3 Hours After Placing Order
  • Free Turnitin Report
  • Unlimited Revisions
  • Privacy Guaranteed

Order & Get This Solution Within 6 Hours in $20/Page

Custom Original Solution And Get A+ Grades

  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • Proper APA/MLA/Harvard Referencing
  • Delivery in 6 Hours After Placing Order
  • Free Turnitin Report
  • Unlimited Revisions
  • Privacy Guaranteed

Order & Get This Solution Within 12 Hours in $15/Page

Custom Original Solution And Get A+ Grades

  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • Proper APA/MLA/Harvard Referencing
  • Delivery in 12 Hours After Placing Order
  • Free Turnitin Report
  • Unlimited Revisions
  • Privacy Guaranteed

6 writers have sent their proposals to do this homework:

Buy Coursework Help
Top Class Engineers
Top Class Results
Academic Master
Math Exam Success
Finance Master
Writer Writer Name Offer Chat
Buy Coursework Help

ONLINE

Buy Coursework Help

I have worked on wide variety of research papers including; Analytical research paper, Argumentative research paper, Interpretative research, experimental research etc.

$30 Chat With Writer
Top Class Engineers

ONLINE

Top Class Engineers

I reckon that I can perfectly carry this project for you! I am a research writer and have been writing academic papers, business reports, plans, literature review, reports and others for the past 1 decade.

$24 Chat With Writer
Top Class Results

ONLINE

Top Class Results

I am an experienced researcher here with master education. After reading your posting, I feel, you need an expert research writer to complete your project.Thank You

$27 Chat With Writer
Academic Master

ONLINE

Academic Master

As per my knowledge I can assist you in writing a perfect Planning, Marketing Research, Business Pitches, Business Proposals, Business Feasibility Reports and Content within your given deadline and budget.

$35 Chat With Writer
Math Exam Success

ONLINE

Math Exam Success

I have read your project details and I can provide you QUALITY WORK within your given timeline and budget.

$26 Chat With Writer
Finance Master

ONLINE

Finance Master

As an experienced writer, I have extensive experience in business writing, report writing, business profile writing, writing business reports and business plans for my clients.

$15 Chat With Writer

Let our expert academic writers to help you in achieving a+ grades in your homework, assignment, quiz or exam.

Similar Homework Questions

Introduction to science exercise 1 data interpretation - How much does it cost to repair smoke damage - Career counseling case study format - Assignment: Assessing a Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation - Disadvantages of on demand business aviation - Byu independent study proctor - Rich dad poor dad book review pdf - Team progress report using Toulmin model - Eco - How many octaves in human audible range - Hydraulics 1 and 2 course - Mt albert postcode nz - Citron's id card generator product key - Critical thinking is the enemy of - 1/57 lindfield avenue lindfield - Answer 4 questions - 41 kensington gardens ilford - Four layers of a typical state court system - One to many many to one maths - Christian motorcycle association logo - Fire support execution matrix excel - 5l bundaberg rum bottle - Network diagram critical path - Signature assignment challenges of expansion to a foreign location - Sociology - Machine language - Mice tourism notes - Why is eggshell a good material for edta to chelate - Art History Essay - How to find north pole of ring magnet - Leadership in a diverse society - Q1 q2 q3 box and whisker - Neptune company produces toys and other items - Lorex pharmaceuticals case study solution excel - Persuasive essay topic sentence starters - 53 russia in revolution crossword answers - Psychology - Uq risk assessment database - Peninsula community health cic - When installing smoothwall, the green interface is commonly used to protect the iptables firewalls. - Essay - Vocabulary workshop level d unit 11 - Biomerieux api 20e manual - Ucl medicine taster day - EVIDENCE MIDTERM- STRICT DEADLINE - Concrete cutting safe work procedure - 26 l of the a - Counterproductive work behavior definition - Ring gear and pinion tooth pattern interpretation - The laborer deserves his wages - Israel bible study center - Sin 210 in fraction - Secure erase hdderase exe - Microsoft wireless optical desktop 1000 - No less nay bigger - Stephen king toolbox summary - All else equal, the contribution margin must increase as: - Ftk imager user guide - Math - Final Assignment - Mobile crisis unit nyc - Re trusts of the abbott fund - The jungle chapter 2 summary - Integrated marketing communications multiple choice questions - The enrique camarena case a forensic nightmare questions and answers - Cbc bearings para hills - The trial balance of bellemy fashion center - Lab activities to accompany statistics concepts and controversies ninth edition - The sum of five consecutive integers - Introduction to service marketing pdf - Factoring special polynomials worksheet - Holden outerwear promotes innovation at the individual employee level by - Dvd rw disc capacity - My thought whose murder yet is but fantastical technique - Angle of 6 sided polygon - Carah and Louw Power and Media Production - Shelly cashman excel 2016 module 3 sam project 1a - Persuasive Speech Outline - The outsiders chapter 6 audiobook - Erp entity relationship diagram - Principles of supervision ppt - Northwind database csv - Klip lok 406 roof sheeting - Science experiment toy car ramp - The only way we can save her political cartoon analysis - A newspaper article about the results of a poll states - 4.6 features of rational functions answers - Dr ray hagins is the bible full of lies - Find a piece of online writing that uses information unethically - Argumentative Essay: How important was the Cold War to explaining the foreign relations of EITHER India OR Pakistan OR Afghanistan (choose one)? - Add provider to hicaps terminal - Normal probability plot minitab - Ocr gcse physics specification - Stuart canvas sight screens - Order # 9358 - ECO 120 Problem Set 2 - Discussion - 4 Responses Sep 18 - Senior project accountant job description - Lame v3 99.3 for windows exe