WHY FIGHT?
It’s a simple question – with a multitude of answers. What led men in
the 1860s to risk life and limb to sign up for battle, stay in the army as the
war progresses, and fight when the bullets flew in battle? Read the
following excerpts from letters of Civil War, and write a word or phrase
that summarizes that soldier's motivation to fight.
I can compare the motives for fighting and the daily life experiences of Confederate with those of white
and African American Union soldiers.
"I went to work … in the morning but became so much excited by the war
news that I was unable to resume my labors. Hearing that Spink & Shelby
had opened a recruiting office I … put down my name." 21 year old from Ohio
Excitement, following the crowd
"[I will fight] to aid my country in her desperate struggle against oppression
and slavery, against Rebels and Traitors." 19 year old Indiana farm boy
"This contest is not North against South … it is government against
anarchy, law against disorder." Young Philadelphia printer
"[The war] will not be ended until the subject of slavery is finally and
forever settled. It has been a great curse to this country." Ohio artillery officer
"The vandals of the North … are determined to destroy slavery … We must
all fight, and I choose to fight for southern rights and southern liberty."
Young Kentucky physician
"Our life, liberty, and property are at stake … any man in the South would
rather die battling for civil and political liberty, than to submit to the base
usurpations of a northern tyrant." Farmer in the 26th Tennessee regiment
"Sooner than submit to Northern slavery, I prefer death." Slaveowning officer
in the 20th South Carolina
"When a Southron's home is threatened, the spirit of resistance is
irrepressible." Lawyer who organized an Alabama infantry company
"I would give all I have got just to be in the front rank of the first brigade
that marches against the invading foe who now pollute the sacred soil of
my native state with their unholy tread." A native of Virginia
"I went from a sense of duty"; I performed but a simple duty - a duty to my
country and myself"; "It is every one's duty to enlist." Various Union volunteers
"Life is sweet but I would always prefer an honorable death to a graceful
and shameful life" sergeant in the 24th Mississippi
"How often in a boyhood's young days when reading the account of soldier's
lives have I longed to be a man, and now the opportunity has offered."
Pennsylvania cavalry recruit
"the Company is always anxious to get in to a battle and they cannot go
home without a fite." Private in the 13th North Carolina
"One of the 24th Va. Infantry being tried for court martial for cowardice at
the battle of Sharpsburg is condemned to be whipped publicly and then
dishonorably dismissed." Private in the 1st Virginia
"I am so anxious to have some opportunity of distinguishing myself"; "Give
me a chance and I'll bet I come home an officer." Various soldiers
"No better place in the world for serving God than in the army." Captain in
the 8th Alabama
"I had rather dye on the battlefield than to disgrace my self and my whole
family." Private in the 20th Georgia
"We feel like the kindest of brothers together"; "You would not believe that
men could be so attached to each other we are all like brothers." Various
letters
These excerpts were taken from For Cause & Comrades - Why Men Fought in the Civil War by the eminent Civil War
historian James M. McPherson. If you get a chance, read it!
“99% BOREDOM, AND 1% SHEER TERROR”
Civil War Soldier Life Notes
Using the resources and podcast online, spend about 25 minutes to jot down some important information about
life as a soldier in the Civil War. Think about the typical soldier’s background, reasons for fighting, life in camp,
weapons, food, leisure, battle, etc. Come up with some questions as well! You will be using this information to
complete a creative exercise, assigned after our experience on Friday.
Got any questions about the lives of Civil War soldiers?