Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines the social and gendered world of college-educated New Englanders who fought in the Civil War by exploring how they tried to develop good character traits and a sense of nationalism. The book also explores how these men interacted with soldiers and southerners, faced battle, and approached Reconstruction.
Trade Review"This important book is the first comprehensive study of a group of young men who provided vital leadership to the Union war effort and played key roles in the post-war United States. It makes a significant scholarly contribution to a variety of discussions regarding nationalism, social class, manhood, and the nature of leadership in the Union Army." -- -Lorien Foote Texas A&M University
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. "A Stage with Curtains Drawn": New England College Students and Their World 2. "The Great People of the Future": American Civilization and National Character 3. To Act Like Men: Building Character in the New Brahmins 4. "To Put Those Theories into Practice": Secession and The Crisis of Character 5. Marching into "Rebeldom": The Failure of Southern Character 6. The Character to Command 7. Character Triumphant: Reconstruction, Reform, and Reconciliation Epilogue Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index
