Description
Book SynopsisFor decades, historians have been content to view the Army of the Potomac through the prism of its general officer corps. In contrast, this book shifts the emphasis to resurrect the successful efforts of proadministration junior officers who educated their men on the war's political dynamics and laid the groundwork for Lincoln's victory in 1864.
Trade ReviewHighly recommended because of the insights on the time period, and a valuable contribution to understanding the common Civil War soldier." -
Library Journal, starred review
"A valuable work for all Civil War buffs and scholars as well as those who study the impact of political beliefs inside the military and how those beliefs are formed. . . . Fry helps us understand the political dynamics within the Army of the Potomac, and why Lincoln was re-elected despite the efforts of Peace Democrats." - Bob Trube,
Bob on Books"Fry has done a remarkable job of chronicling the political tides of the Army of the Potomac . . . which he traces with great diligence in soldier letters and resolutions published in hometown newspapers. . . . [This book provides] a vigorous new reason to revive the political history of the Civil War, and to understand how in Civil war America 'politics seems to enter into everything.'" -
Civil War Book Review"Fry's research and writing brings new focus to a different dimension of the Civil War. . . . Fry is to be commended for undertaking this investigation into the political leanings of the junior officers and men, and we are the beneficiaries of his conclusions and analysis." -
Journal of America's Military Past"A truly impressive debut. . . . [T]his deeply researched, compellingly written book belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in the American Civil War." -
Army History"Fry's book steps confidently into the midst of one of the most vibrant contemporary historiographical conversations of the Civil War era and deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the intersections of nineteenth-century political and military history." -
H-Nationalism
