1. “The crossroads of our being” Shelby Foote
Civil War Literature
“The crossroads of our being”
Shelby Foote

2. Historical Background
By April 1861, 13 states had “seceded” from the Union.
Key factors:
States rights
Slavery

3. A Credible Voice Frederick Douglass Escaped from slavery in Maryland
Responsible for anti-slavery speeches and writings
Helped to found 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the war

4. A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Gave 1st hand account of the evils of slavery
Written so well that some refused to believe that a black man could write it
Education of slaves was illegal in much of the South

5. Another influential perspective
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
By Harriet Beecher Stowe (A white northerner)
Also dramatized evils of slavery
Hugely popular (banned in much of the South)
Advanced stereotypes

6. Life imitates literature
Many credit Stowe’s book as being a catalyst for the war.
Douglass was a relentless fighter for the abolition of slavery and beyond.

7. Mr. Lincoln is elected President
The South was so thrilled that South Carolina immediately seceded from the Union
By April, 13 states had formed the Confederate States of America

8. Letters tell much of the story…
Sullivan Ballou
One of many soldiers who wrote home before the Battle of Bull Run
July 21, 1861
Many citizens from Washington came out to watch the battle
Huge Southern victory

9. Others wrote after the war was over
Ambrose Bierce
“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”
Civil War veteran
Shows attitude towards war in general
Thriller
Died mysteriously

10. “…the last full measure of devotion…”
Battle of Gettysburg (July 1, 2, and 3, 1863)
50,000 casualties
Considered a Union victory
Robert E. Lee and George Meade were the commanding generals.

11. “The world will little note…”
On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln arrived at Gettysburg
Dedicated National Cemetery
Speech was around 2 minutes
Reviews were disappointing
Can’t even take a decent picture in that time

12. The speech defines Lincoln’s legacy

13. Here endeth the lesson By Andrew C. Jackson
Credits to C-Span and the National Park Service