A Rich Man's War, a Poor Man's Fight

A Rich Man's War, a Poor Man's Fight PDF

Author: Bessie Martin

Publisher: Library of Alabama Classics

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13:

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At the start of the Civil War in 1861, many men in Alabama enthusiastically enlisted. After these husbands, fathers, and brothers-all family breadwinners-marched off to duty, the number of indigent families in the state began to rise dramatically. Inflation, lack of transportation, a drastically decreased labor force, war taxes, and enemy invasion all created an increasingly desperate economic situation, especially in less affluent northern and southeastern sections of the state. In some places, women and children were reported to be near starvation, bread riots erupted, and begging was common. As soldiers became more and more distressed about these developments at home, waves of desertions occurred. Even social relief efforts made by state and local governments in the form of the Military Aid Society, the Samaritan Society, and the Citizen s Relief Association did little to deter the cyclical exodus of fighting men from Confederate units. Southern leaders considered desertion the chief cause of serious military defeats, including those at Atlanta and Gettysburg. Desertions certainly weakened the manpower of the Confederacy and lowered the morale of its people.

More Damning Than Slaughter

More Damning Than Slaughter PDF

Author: Mark A. Weitz

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 0803247974

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"Coupled with problems such as speculation, food and clothing shortages, conscription, taxation, and a pervasive focus on the protection of local interests, desertion started as a military problem and spilled over into the civilian world. Fostered by a military culture that treated absenteeism leniently early in the war, desertion steadily increased and by 1863 reached epidemic proportions. A Union policy that permitted Confederate deserters to swear allegiance to the Union and then return home encouraged desertion. Equally important in persuading men to desert was the direct appeal from loved ones on the home front - letters from wives begging soldiers to come home for harvests, births, and other events.".

A Higher Duty

A Higher Duty PDF

Author: Mark A. Weitz

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2005-12-01

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 9780803298552

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This book addresses the most important issues associated with Confederate desertion. How many soldiers actually deserted, when did they desert, and why? What does Confederate desertion say about Confederate nationalism and the war effort? Mark A. Weitz has taken his argument beyond the obvious reasons for desertion?that war is a horrific and cruel experience?and examined the emotional and psychological reasons that might induce a soldier to desert. Just as loyalty to his fellow soldiers might influence a man to charge into a hail of lead, loyalty to his wife and family could also lead him to risk a firing squad in order to return home.

Confederate Military History - Alabama

Confederate Military History - Alabama PDF

Author: Joseph W. Wheeler

Publisher: Lulu.com

Published: 2014-12-03

Total Pages: 451

ISBN-13: 1312726156

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This set was written by distinguished men of the South, producing a work which truly portrays the times and issues of the Confederacy. It was edited by Gen. Clement A. Evans of Georgia. Two volumes--the first and the last--comprise such subjects as the justification of the Southern States in seceding from the Union and the honorable conduct of the war by the Confederate States government; the history of the actions and concessions of the South in the formation of the Union. There are also individual volumes for each state: Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas & Florida. An additional volume covers the Confederate Navy.

Confederate Military History: Alabama

Confederate Military History: Alabama PDF

Author: Clement Anselm Evans

Publisher:

Published: 1899

Total Pages: 780

ISBN-13:

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In v. 1-11 each state has at end a "Biographical" section; "Additional sketches illustrating the services of officers and privates and patriotic citizens" are appended in v. 2 (Maryland, p. 185-447; West Virginia, p. 139-296) ; in v. 3 (Virginia) p. 693-1295 ; in v. 4 (North Carolina) p. 355-813; in v. 5 (South Carolina) p. 425-931. 1. Curry, J. L. M.; Legal justification of the South in secession. Garrett, W.R.; The South as a factor in the territorial expansion of the United States. Evans, C. A.; The Civil history of the Confederate States.--2. Johnson, B. T.; Maryland. White, Robert; West Virginia.--3. Hotchkiss, Jed; Virginia.--4. Hill, D. H. Jr.; North Carolina.--5. Capers, Ellison; South Carolina.--6. Derry, J. T.; Georgia.--7. Wheeler, Joseph; Alabama. Hooker, C. E.; Mississippi.--8. Porter, J. D.; Tennessee.--9. Johnston, J. S.; Kentucky. Moore, J. C.; Missouri.--10. Dimitry, John; Louisiana. Harrell, J. M.; Arkansas.--11. Roberts, O. M.; Texas. Dickinson, J. J.; Florida.--12. Parker, W. H.; The Confederate States navy. Jones, J. W.; The morale of the Confederate armies. Evans, C. A.; An outline of Confederate military history. Lee, S. D.; The South since the war. Documental and statistical appendix.

From That Terrible Field

From That Terrible Field PDF

Author: James Williams

Publisher: University of Alabama Press

Published: 2011-03-07

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 0817356754

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“The well-written and candid letters of a reasonably articulate Southern officer, who paints a lucid picture of everyday life in the Confederate army in a little-known theater... Williams’s letters, personally written and shot through with his sharp sense of humor and folksy artwork, provide an excellent account of a long neglected theater of the American Civil War.” – Western Pennsylvania History

Duty Driven

Duty Driven PDF

Author: Peggy Allen Towns

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2012-09-26

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 1477255575

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DUTY DRIVEN The Plight of North Alabamas African Americans During the Civil War For over a century and a half, history has not adequately captured the voices of African Americans during the Civil War. Duty Driven vividly summarizes the remarkable stories of North Alabamas African Americans, during this pivotal period in our history. The first person stories and eyewitness accounts bring together historical evidence that validate the past and bridge the truth, while emphasizing the crucial roles of African Americans during the War. Duty Driven explores the enlistment of United States Colored Troops in Decatur, the only Alabama town to actually raise such a regiment. It documents the surrender and capture of the 106th, 110th and 111th Colored Troops by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, at Athens and Sulphur Branch Trestle, Alabama and provides the names of prisoners of war taken to Mobile to work on the fortifications. Their gripping stories paint a vivid picture of their courage, valor and sacrifice. Drawing on personal accounts, extraordinary facts are uncovered about African Americans who served in integrated Federal troops, as well as those who served with the Confederate Army. Additionally, an enlightening glimpse of the contributions of women to this war of freedom is presented. The powerful narratives are proof that freedom comes at a great cost. As Americans, it is our duty to remember these extraordinary heroes and to acknowledge the truth of our Nations heritage.