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In these pages, Davis brings into sharp focus the facts and fictions of the South's victories and defeats, its tenacious struggle to legitimize its cause and defeat an overpowering enemy, and its ultimate loss of will. He debunks long-standing legends, offers irrefutable evidence explaining Confederate actions, and contemplates the idealism, naivete, folly, and courage of the military leadership and would-be founding fathers.
Among the most misunderstood, Davis contends, was Jefferson Davis. Often branded as enigmatic and incompetent, the Confederate president was simply a decent and committed leader whose mistakes were magnified by the war's extraordinary demands. Davis scrutinizes Jefferson Davis' relationship with his generals-most of whom were unproved talents or cronies with proven deficiencies-and reveals why only Robert E. Lee succeeded in winning Davis' confidence through flattery, persuasion, and a sense of responsibility. He also examines the myths and memories of the nearly deified Stonewall Jackson and John C. Breckinridge, the only effective Confederate secretary of war.
Davis also illustrates why the cause of the war—a subject of long-standing controversy—boils down to the single issue of slavery; why Southerners, ninety percent of whom didn't own slaves, were willing to join in the battle to defend their homeland; how the personalities, tactics, and styles of the armies in the turbulent West differed greatly from those in the East; what real or perceived turning points influenced Southern decision making; and how mythology and misinterpretations have been perpetuated through biography, history, literature, and film.
Revealing the Confederacy's myths for what they really are, Davis nevertheless illustrates how much those myths inform our understanding of the Civil War and its place in Southern and American culture.
Industry Reviews
A wonderful book, written by a man with full command of, and great love for, his subject. Davis grasps the war in its totality, decently and respectfully. He does not so much demolish myths as clarify and nuance them.--Washington Times
This splendid collection, characterized by the same insight, humor, and delightful irreverence found in all Davis's writing, has something for everyone.--Journal of Southern History
Davis advances strong opinions without qualification and often in a bold, memorable way.--Georgia Historical Quarterly
ISBN: 9780700612543
ISBN-10: 0700612548
Series: Modern War Studies
Published: 1st October 1996
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 236
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: UNIV PR OF KANSAS
Country of Publication: US
Edition Type: New edition
Dimensions (cm): 23.5 x 15.24 x 1.27
Weight (kg): 0.33
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This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionHistoryMilitary HistoryAmerican Civil War
- Non-FictionHistoryRegional & National HistoryHistory of the Americas
- Non-FictionHistorySpecific Events & Topics in HistorySocial & Cultural History
- Non-FictionHistoryEarliest Times to Present DayModern History from 1700 to 1900
- Non-FictionWarfare & DefenceMilitary & Defence StrategyMilitary Tactics