Blog 4 History

I offer here two very different books on the Civil War, but both address what each author saw as “myths.” Mark E. Neely Jr. in his latest book The Civil War and the Limits of Destruction argues that the Civil War was really not that violent when compared to American warfare that took place versus the Mexicans and the Indians (race being the key issue). Earl J. Hess argues in The Rifle Musket in Civil War Combat: Reality and Myth, that the rifled musket really did not have the impact that historians have, for the most part, assumed.

First off, I have a lot of respect for both historians and have read their previous work with delight. Mark E. Neely, Jr., is a Professor of the History of the Civil War Era at Pennsylvania State University, and is the author of a number of books, including his Pulitzer prize-winning “The Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln and Civil Liberties.” Earl. J. Hess teaches history at Lincoln Memorial University and has published numerous books on the Civil War, including “The Union Soldier in Battle: Enduring the Ordeal of Combat”, and, most recently, “Trench Warfare under Grant and Lee: Field Fortifications in the Overland Campaign.”

However, I left both books with perhaps more information, but nothing really new or exciting. Allow me to explain. Neely’s book continues on his theme that the Civil War was not a “total” war, but here he takes it to yet another and hopefully last step, that race played the critical role in the nature of combat. This, frankly, was a ho- hum and yawn argument for me as I was talking about this 2 years ago. I truly hope any Civil War historian worth anything knows that race has played an important role in American war ethos since the beginning.  For example, if you have studied WW2 you know this. Also, his thesis has been argued before, and by others far more qualified than myself.

Next up is Hess’ in-depth look at how historians have overrated the impact of the rifled musket on Civil War causalities. We’ve already known that the distance of engagement between the armed combatants of the war was really no different than that of other wars before or since. Also, the nature of the trajectory and the difficulty with aiming the rifle made accuracy problematic. Though I did learn a lot, the general thesis was another yawn as I had already been aware of it after reading Brent Nosworthy’s 2003 analysis The Bloody Crucible of Courage: Fighting Methods and Combat Experience of the Civil War, in which he (in not near as much depth) essentially covers the main points of Hess’ argument.

These observations aside, both books add to the field and are good reads worth the money. If you’re a student or historian of the Civil War, both books are still must reads.

I’ll never forget watching “Cool Hand Luke” on video.

Hollywood legend Paul Newman, who won accolades for his roles in films such as “Cool Hand Luke” and “The Sting,” has died at age 83.

Newman, who had been battling cancer, passed away at his home near Westport, Conn., on Friday with family and friends by his side.

Newman’s movie career began in the 1950s and spanned six decades, making him one of the industry’s best-known stars. He often played rebellious mavericks and cultivated an enduring image of masculine cool that transcended his films and made him a cultural icon.

Alongside his wildly-successful motion picture career, Newman was a business man and race car driver who placed in the top five at some of the most competitive races in the U.S. during the 1970s.

The 10-time Oscar nominee was also an acclaimed director and a philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to charity.

In the early 1980s, Newman started up the “Newman’s Own” brand as a way to sell his homemade salad dressing. The company, which also made popcorn, spaghetti sauce and other products, has turned into a multi-million dollar business which has donated $175 million to charities.

Still working on my “Cavalry in the Civil War” paper for my graduate class. I am arguing that the cavalry did not play a decisive role in the outcome of the war. I don’t think I am out on limb here. But I think my approach is pretty cool.

I am arguing that even though there are times where cavalry plays what could be argued a pivotal role in a battle, most of the time they fought dismounted and the horse was simply a vehicle for transportation. When cavalry acted like traditional mounted cavalry used as a shock force and charged infantry, the events usually involved small groups, and the cavalry usually failed.

I did a quick search for “cavalry charged” (as in “[and the] cavalry charged”)  in the official records and it returned 57 results with a total 129.  (Note: I’m sure there were more). Now, I am just in the middle of going though these but hope to have a good breakdown. But going through the records, it seems clear that cavalry in the mold of 19th Century cavalry tactics, did not fair well and did not happen often. I think there are several reasons, but mainly the nature of the landscape did not lend itself, usually, to large cavalry actions.

Anyway, any feedback would be welcomed, even if it is to point out issues, or if I am wrong!

Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee (ah this committee is KEY when it comes to the current crisis) Senator Chris Dodd received $165,000 from Fannie Mae… (let that sink in) and he was consistently against added financial regulation of the mortgage lending industry.

I posted the other day about wealth and its potential interference in political behavior. It seems that post was more relevant than I could have foreseen.

From the Bloomberg Report: But we now know that many of the senators who protected Fannie and Freddie, including … [and] Christopher Dodd, have received mind-boggling levels of financial support from them over the years.

If this is true, where and the heck is the media?  I don’t want my tax money going to these people, let ‘em sink.

Forget the pultry salary, many Lawmakers earn millions of dollars from special interest groups, investments, and other interesting scenarios. However, as one publication has noted, estimating the wealth of Members of Congress is difficult as it is based purely on disclosure forms, which are unreliable. Here’s what Roll Call came up with for their “50 Richest Members of Congress…”

Here’s the top Ten:

1. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)
$230.98 million

2. Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.)
$225.96 million

3. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)
$160.62 million

4. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.)
$80.40 million

5. Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.)
$78.96 million

6. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.)
$65.49 million

7. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.)
$55.33 million

8. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
$52.34 million

9. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.)
$47.62 million

10. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.)
$28.65 million

To read more…

When you are a Lawmaker does the presense of EXTREME wealth come into play? Maybe, maybe not. How detached are you from your constituents if you have never had to worry about a mortage payment? How did you gain your wealth and are there potential conflicts of interest? I think I am going to present this to my American Government classes and see what kind of reaction they give me.

A Short History of the United States
By Robert V. Remini

$19.95; On Sale: 10/7/2008;
Formats: E-Book | Audio | Hardcover; Available E-Book Formats: Adobe eBook Reader | Gemstar eBook | Microsoft Reader | MobiPocket | Palm Reader | Sony

This is a wonderful book that I was surprised to receive from the review pool of books I receive. (Usually, I receive an email or something and on this one I do not recall such a correspondence. Though I almost did not look through the book, I am glad I did!)

Right off the bat, you get a sense for the quality of the book. Remini’s first chapter “Discovery and Settlement of the New World” is vivid, powerful, entertaining, and of course “concise.” Some very good narrative that might help me as a teacher quickly and concisely cover the early and formative years of our history seeing that we are allowed just days to teach it!

From our “emergence” as a nation to Jacksonian America, the Civil War, Manifest Destiny, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, the Cold War, Civil Rights (well done by the way), and the Conservative revolution. But not just the same type of recent history, this book is a tribute to fair and balanced history. Remini’s United States history is truly an accomplishment, he has a natural talent for prose and his scholarship is solid.

From the promotion for the book: “Offering an abbreviated, accessible, and lively narrative history of the United States, this erudite volume contains the essential facts about the discovery, settlement, growth, and development of the American nation and its institutions. Robert V. Remini explores the arrival and migration of Native Americans throughout the Western Hemisphere and their achievements; the discovery of the New World by Europeans and the establishment of colonies by the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch; the causes of the American Revolution; the founding of a republic under the Constitution; the formation of political parties; the War of 1812 and the resulting economic and cultural changes; the democratic impetus during the Jacksonian era; westward expansion and the Mexican War; the struggle over slavery, which led to the Civil War; Reconstruction and the rise of big business; the emergence of the United States as a world power; the descent into the Great Depression; the global conflicts of the twentieth century; the rise of conservatism; and the outbreak of terrorism here and abroad.”

Whoopi’s reaction to McCain’s call for “strict constructionist” judges is remarkable. After watching this clip I would love to hear some of your thoughts? And before you chime in, please do understand what EVERY intelligent human being knows when someone refers to a strict or liberal interpretation of the constitution.

Very happy to be on this list!!

100 Awesome Blogs for History Junkies
By Jessica Merritt

If you’re a history junkie, you surely know by now that the Internet is a great tool for finding information. But did you know that blogs are some of the most useful resources out there? Here you’ll find blogs about periods in history, genealogy, war, and lots more.

Periods

Read about specific periods, like the Victorian era and the American Revolution on these history blogs.

1. Cardinal Wolsey’s Today in History: Read Cardinal Wolsey’s blog for thoughts on Tudor, medieval, and early-modern history.
2. Victorian Times: Victorian Times highlights fashion and dresses in Civil War, Dickens, and Victorian style.
3. Boston 1775: Read about the start of the American Revolution in Massachusetts on this blog.
4. The Victorian Peeper: On the Victorian Peeper blog, you’ll read about nineteenth century Britain.
5. Edwardian Promenade: This blog covers the Edwardian period, from about 1880 to 1914.
6. The Victorian Era: Here you’ll read about fun facts from the 19th century.

Art

These blogs highlight the history of fine art.

7. Dracula vs. Einstein: This graphic design blog takes its inspiration from art history.
8. Ponder & Dream: Ponder & Dream is all about graphic designs inspired from military history.
9. Shorpy: This “100-year-old photo blog” highlights history in high resolution.
10. The Philatelic Database: This blog offers a look at stamp archives.
11. Food History: Learn about holiday customs and classic recipes on this foodie history blog.
12. Cycling Art: This blog explores the history of cycling through art.
13. Prima la Musica: Check out this blog to get the official word from Mozart.

War

Read these blogs if you’re interested in the Civil War, soldiers, and World Wars.

14. Civil War History: Read Civil War History to learn about the Civil War, as well as new developments in Civil War history.
15. Out of battle: Read anecdotes and articles about the first World War, specifically the 8th Battalion, AIF.
16. Military History Blog: The Military History Blog blogs about the battlefield.
17. Civil War Memory: Read what a high school history teacher and Civil War historian has to say.
18. Old Virginia Blog: Richard Williams, Jr.’s blog is all about the Civil War.
19. WW1: Experiences of an English Soldier: Read Harry Lamin’s letters from the first World War, posted exactly 90 years after they were written.
20. Australian War Memorial: Learn about official records, animals in war, aircraft, and lots more in this Australian war blog.
21. World War II History Blog: In this blog you’ll find news, photographs, “today in history,” and more.
22. Frontier Battles: Frontier Battles is all about wars for and against empire in America from 1607 to 1815.
23. Blog 4 History: Read about American and Civil War history on this blog about the American experience.
24. American Civil War Stories: Revisit the stories of the American Civil War in this blog.
25. 9th Btn Y & L War Diaries: Read the official war diary of the 9th Battalion of the York and Lancaster regiment.
26. What Passing Bells: This blog follows three different families through the first World War.
27. TOCWOC: The Order of Civial War Obsessively Compulsed is a blog about the civil war written by informed amateurs.

To read more…

Well here’s the instructions for my first paper in my Civil War graduate class:

PAPER#1: Did cavalry play a decisive role in the American Civil War?

A question was once presented to me by a professor in a graduate class: Civil War cavalry, precursor to blitzkrieg or military anachronism? It was an interesting question ten years ago and still is today. Some of the most famous commanders and intriguing personalities of the war were cavalrymen: Jeb Stuart, Nathan Bedford Forrest, John Buford, Ben Grierson, Philip Sheridan, etc. Despite their fame, were they a decisive factor in the battles in which they were participants? In an 8-10 page report you may select one or multiple commanders, reference a specific battle, or refer to Civil War cavalry in general. Your approach is entirely up to you.

I have to admit that the question should be interesting to research, but that I wanted something else for a first paper. I’m thinking I might have to give Eric a buzz, especially since three of his books are suggested reading for this assignment.

Just received my copy of Vanishing Footprints: The Twenty-Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War by Samuel D. Pryce and edited by Jeffry C. Burden (Press of the Camp Pope Bookshop, 2008). Just looking through it I am excited to read the story of a regiment I am fairly acquainted with as they traveled with my 11th Wisconsin during the Vicksburg campaign.  A great regiment that deserved its story to be brought back to life and Camp Pope Bookshop was just the publisher to do it. It looks like a solid production, well illustrated, and the editing by Burden looks first class. Will have a formal review later!