Thoughts During American Civil War: What They Fought for 1861-1865

James M. McPherson, a Princeton University historian and professor, has produced a book titled "What They Fought For 1861-1865" that offers a thorough analysis of the attitudes and reasons behind which men fought in the American Civil War. The book is based on primary sources, such as letters and diaries, from soldiers on both sides of the conflict and provides a nuanced understanding of why they chose to fight and what they believed they were fighting for.

The book begins by examining the reasons why soldiers from the North and South chose to enlist in the army. For Northern soldiers, the primary motivation was to preserve the Union and defend the Constitution, while for Southern soldiers it was to defend their homes and states from invasion. McPherson also notes that many soldiers from both sides were motivated by a sense of duty and loyalty to their country, as well as a desire to protect their families and communities.

McPherson then delves into the issue of slavery and the role it played in motivating soldiers to fight. While the traditional view is that the Civil War was fought primarily to preserve the institution of slavery, McPherson argues that this was not the case for most soldiers. He points out that while many Southern soldiers believed in the "peculiar institution" of slavery, they did not necessarily see it as the primary reason for fighting. Instead, they believed they were fighting to defend their homes, states, and way of life. On the other hand, Northern soldiers, while they were opposed to slavery, did not see the abolition of slavery as their primary motivation for fighting.

The author also examines the role of religion in motivating soldiers to fight. He notes that many soldiers from both sides believed that they were fighting a holy war, with God on their side. McPherson also examines the concept of honor, which was a key motivating factor for many soldiers. He argues that many soldiers felt a sense of duty to defend their homes and communities, as well as a desire to prove their courage and bravery.

One of the key themes of the book is the diversity of beliefs and motivations among soldiers on both sides of the conflict. McPherson argues that soldiers were not a monolithic group, but rather a diverse group of individuals with different beliefs and motivations. He also notes that soldiers' beliefs and motivations often changed as the war progressed, with many soldiers going from fighting for idealistic reasons to fighting simply to survive.

In conclusion, "What They Fought For 1861-1865" is a comprehensive and well-researched examination of the beliefs and motivations of soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. McPherson's use of primary sources provides a detailed and nuanced understanding of why soldiers chose to fight and what they believed they were fighting for. The book challenges the traditional view that the Civil War was fought primarily to preserve the institution of slavery, and instead argues that soldiers were motivated by a variety of factors, including loyalty to their state, the defense of slavery, and the preservation of the Union. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Civil War and the motivations of the soldiers who fought in it.