1) In February 1865, Union General William T. Sherman marched his army into Columbia, South Carolina and freed the slaves as the Confederate forces evacuated. 2) The retreating Confederates set large bales of cotton on fire, forcing Sherman to change plans to contain the fires. His troops also looted liquor stores and got drunk, pillaging and burning much of the city. 3) It is unclear whether the fires were started by retreating Confederates or drunken Union soldiers. Sherman tried to contain the fires but over 3/4 of the city was destroyed.
The document summarizes the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. It discusses how the attacks changed America forever, killing over 3,000 people. It describes how the U.S. responded by toppling the Taliban regime in Afghanistan that had harbored al-Qaeda. The document also reflects on the memorials built at the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who died defending American freedom.
This document is an excerpt from a newsletter called "The Glow-Worm" published by the organization "Churchillians by-the-Bay". It contains an article by David Ramsay about his father Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay's experiences in World War 2, specifically his relationship with General Bernard Montgomery. Ramsay had a high opinion of Montgomery and the two worked closely and effectively together during the invasions of Sicily and Normandy. The article also discusses how Ramsay's home county of Berwickshire in Scotland was affected by bombings from German planes targeting cities in Scotland during the war.
What engagement of the Civil War was so resoundingly successful for the Army of the Potomac, that it sent the Confederates on a 50-mile retreat back to Richmond ? Col. Seidule's "Official West Point History of the Civil War" doesn't even mention the Battle of Williasmburg, much less that Gen. Hancock's brilliant penetration of Rebel defensive lines at Fort Magruder, and his surreptitious occupation of a series of redoubts behind the lines, enabled him to take Gen Early's Army totally by surprise, and ROUT them Rebs, sending them on a midnight retreat, and earning Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock the nickname "the Superb."
Here's the story you've never heard before -- Hancock's Charge
YANKEE SCOUT -- Death on the Picket Line !! Roch Steinbach
In this FOURTH ISSUE of YANKEE SCOUT, Gen Hancock's brigade together with "Baldy" Smith's Division move their forces out across Chain Bridge in early September, and break ground for the construction of Fort Ethan Allen. Once completed, the heavy artillery are emplaced, and the brigades move further into enemy territory and set up camp at Lewinsville -- snugged up against the Rebel camps near Scott's Run, in Fairfax County, Virginia, C.S.A. !! Pvt. Drew and some friends are selected to conduct a reconnaissance of the Fairfax county lands south toward Falls Church -- but they are apprehended by Reb cavalry !!! Is there any way to escape ? There is... if you know what "V.M.M" stands for !! FIND OUT !!
Later, there's a problem: them Rebs is moving by night to attack the end of McCall's line of Union pickets: and in the morning a number of pickets have been found dead. General Hancock want to know what can be done, and Drew's services are offered... he takes two friends, a Springfield, some line ... and, well .... we better not spoil the suspense !!
The summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document describes a Union reconnaissance of Confederate defenses at Yorktown, Virginia in April 1862 led by Gen. Winfield Hancock. During the operation, the 6th Maine and 5th Wisconsin encountered Confederate pickets and drove them back to their rifle pits, capturing some. However, the Confederate regiments they encountered in camp were already drilling in an open field. One Union soldier from the 6th Maine, George Riley, was killed during the engagement, becoming the first loss for the regiment.
This document contains summaries of four US military veterans from Amityville, NY and their experiences during World War 2. Wilbur Sterling served in the Navy from 1943-1945 and saw action in the Pacific. Upon returning home, he graduated from college and worked as a fire marshall. George D. Johnson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served as a quartermaster in Europe, seeing action in places like France and Germany. Emil DiPaola Jr. enlisted in the Navy at age 17 in 1945 and served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific until the end of the war. William T. Lauder was drafted into the Army and landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day, then served in
In this SECOND jam-packed issue of YANKEE SCOUT (TM), 15 year-old Calif Newton Drew returns to his hometown of Machias, Maine, from logging in the backwoods, only to learn the news relayed by telegraph, that President Lincoln has called fro 75,000 volunteers to join a new Union Army to be deployed to defend Washington D.C. against Secessionists in Virginia and Maryland !! However, because he had been out a few days, his hometown regiment is FULL UP and has already met it's quota ! So Drew and a few friends take the ferry boat up to Eastport, Maine on Moose Island and join the regiment there. Drew strips down to his birthday suit for his physical -- and one of the doctors says he is too young, "You are nothing but a kid !!" and not strong enough to serve -- so Drew lays the Doctor out flat on the floor with one punch !! And he's in the ARMY!! ....
The new soldiers train at Fort Sullivan using tactical manuals and muskets dating all the way back to the War of 1812, and finally are sent on a patriotic tour of American battlefields, as they make their way towards D.C. !!
Find out about the Baltimore Riots of April 19th-20th, the taboo subject of the Confederate burning of the bridges on the P.W.& B.RR line into Baltimore, and the details of the mysterious "Baltimore Plot" to assassinate President Lincoln !!
Finally, on July 20th Drew and his new comrades arrive in Washington, D.C. and are lodged in the old Hall of Congress, and then, the next day, are ordered 6 miles out of Washington to the D.C. perimeter at Chain Bridge ... where they hear the distant cannons sounding at Manassas Junction, the sounds of the Battle of Bull Run !!!
This document discusses the idea of implementing direct democracy at the federal level in the United States. It provides background on how direct democracy functions through initiatives, referendums, and recalls that are used in many states. The document examines arguments for and against direct democracy, looking at factors like political gridlock, citizen participation, minority representation, money influence, and interest groups. Examples of direct democracy being used successfully in states like California and countries like Switzerland are presented. Overall the document evaluates perspectives on instituting direct democracy at the national level to increase citizen voice and engagement in the political process.
The document summarizes the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. It discusses how the attacks changed America forever, killing over 3,000 people. It describes how the U.S. responded by toppling the Taliban regime in Afghanistan that had harbored al-Qaeda. The document also reflects on the memorials built at the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who died defending American freedom.
This document is an excerpt from a newsletter called "The Glow-Worm" published by the organization "Churchillians by-the-Bay". It contains an article by David Ramsay about his father Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay's experiences in World War 2, specifically his relationship with General Bernard Montgomery. Ramsay had a high opinion of Montgomery and the two worked closely and effectively together during the invasions of Sicily and Normandy. The article also discusses how Ramsay's home county of Berwickshire in Scotland was affected by bombings from German planes targeting cities in Scotland during the war.
What engagement of the Civil War was so resoundingly successful for the Army of the Potomac, that it sent the Confederates on a 50-mile retreat back to Richmond ? Col. Seidule's "Official West Point History of the Civil War" doesn't even mention the Battle of Williasmburg, much less that Gen. Hancock's brilliant penetration of Rebel defensive lines at Fort Magruder, and his surreptitious occupation of a series of redoubts behind the lines, enabled him to take Gen Early's Army totally by surprise, and ROUT them Rebs, sending them on a midnight retreat, and earning Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock the nickname "the Superb."
Here's the story you've never heard before -- Hancock's Charge
YANKEE SCOUT -- Death on the Picket Line !! Roch Steinbach
In this FOURTH ISSUE of YANKEE SCOUT, Gen Hancock's brigade together with "Baldy" Smith's Division move their forces out across Chain Bridge in early September, and break ground for the construction of Fort Ethan Allen. Once completed, the heavy artillery are emplaced, and the brigades move further into enemy territory and set up camp at Lewinsville -- snugged up against the Rebel camps near Scott's Run, in Fairfax County, Virginia, C.S.A. !! Pvt. Drew and some friends are selected to conduct a reconnaissance of the Fairfax county lands south toward Falls Church -- but they are apprehended by Reb cavalry !!! Is there any way to escape ? There is... if you know what "V.M.M" stands for !! FIND OUT !!
Later, there's a problem: them Rebs is moving by night to attack the end of McCall's line of Union pickets: and in the morning a number of pickets have been found dead. General Hancock want to know what can be done, and Drew's services are offered... he takes two friends, a Springfield, some line ... and, well .... we better not spoil the suspense !!
The summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document describes a Union reconnaissance of Confederate defenses at Yorktown, Virginia in April 1862 led by Gen. Winfield Hancock. During the operation, the 6th Maine and 5th Wisconsin encountered Confederate pickets and drove them back to their rifle pits, capturing some. However, the Confederate regiments they encountered in camp were already drilling in an open field. One Union soldier from the 6th Maine, George Riley, was killed during the engagement, becoming the first loss for the regiment.
This document contains summaries of four US military veterans from Amityville, NY and their experiences during World War 2. Wilbur Sterling served in the Navy from 1943-1945 and saw action in the Pacific. Upon returning home, he graduated from college and worked as a fire marshall. George D. Johnson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and served as a quartermaster in Europe, seeing action in places like France and Germany. Emil DiPaola Jr. enlisted in the Navy at age 17 in 1945 and served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific until the end of the war. William T. Lauder was drafted into the Army and landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day, then served in
In this SECOND jam-packed issue of YANKEE SCOUT (TM), 15 year-old Calif Newton Drew returns to his hometown of Machias, Maine, from logging in the backwoods, only to learn the news relayed by telegraph, that President Lincoln has called fro 75,000 volunteers to join a new Union Army to be deployed to defend Washington D.C. against Secessionists in Virginia and Maryland !! However, because he had been out a few days, his hometown regiment is FULL UP and has already met it's quota ! So Drew and a few friends take the ferry boat up to Eastport, Maine on Moose Island and join the regiment there. Drew strips down to his birthday suit for his physical -- and one of the doctors says he is too young, "You are nothing but a kid !!" and not strong enough to serve -- so Drew lays the Doctor out flat on the floor with one punch !! And he's in the ARMY!! ....
The new soldiers train at Fort Sullivan using tactical manuals and muskets dating all the way back to the War of 1812, and finally are sent on a patriotic tour of American battlefields, as they make their way towards D.C. !!
Find out about the Baltimore Riots of April 19th-20th, the taboo subject of the Confederate burning of the bridges on the P.W.& B.RR line into Baltimore, and the details of the mysterious "Baltimore Plot" to assassinate President Lincoln !!
Finally, on July 20th Drew and his new comrades arrive in Washington, D.C. and are lodged in the old Hall of Congress, and then, the next day, are ordered 6 miles out of Washington to the D.C. perimeter at Chain Bridge ... where they hear the distant cannons sounding at Manassas Junction, the sounds of the Battle of Bull Run !!!
This document discusses the idea of implementing direct democracy at the federal level in the United States. It provides background on how direct democracy functions through initiatives, referendums, and recalls that are used in many states. The document examines arguments for and against direct democracy, looking at factors like political gridlock, citizen participation, minority representation, money influence, and interest groups. Examples of direct democracy being used successfully in states like California and countries like Switzerland are presented. Overall the document evaluates perspectives on instituting direct democracy at the national level to increase citizen voice and engagement in the political process.
The document provides an account of the events that took place in Concord, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775 that marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. It describes how British forces marched to Concord to confiscate weapons and supplies stored by the colonists. Upon arriving, they engaged with local militias, resulting in the first battles of the war at Lexington and Concord Bridge. As the British forces retreated, they were continuously attacked by colonial militiamen, marking the start of open conflict between Britain and its colonies in America.
This document provides an overview of the American Civil War through discussion and analysis of paintings depicting various battles and events. It begins by discussing how the channel aims to focus on the human aspects and struggles of the war, as well as notable Civil War paintings. Numerous battles are then summarized, including Fort Sumter, Bull Run, Shiloh, the Seven Days Battles, and Second Manassas. Figures like John Brown, Frederick Douglass, Ulysses Grant, George McClellan, Joseph Johnston, and Robert E. Lee are mentioned in relation to these battles. Casualty numbers are regularly provided. The document promotes additional resources on its channel and blogs for further learning.
The Epic Series of War, Duty and Loyalty. First book free!Bob Mayer
This document summarizes and advertises a historical fiction series by Bob Mayer about key figures in American history who attended West Point Military Academy prior to the Civil War. It provides background on characters like William Tecumseh Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and others who went on to command both sides of the Civil War. The series follows these characters from their time at West Point through major events like the Mexican-American War and culminates with the pivotal Battle of Shiloh, where the Civil War took a decisive turn. It promotes the first book in the series and teases plot points involving honor, loyalty, duty and the personal costs of the coming conflict between the states.
From West Point in 1843 through the Mexican War. the tough years between the wars and then into the Civil War we follow West Pointers on their journey both fame and infamy.
The Bull City: A Short History of Durham, North CarolinaMorgan Capps
This document provides a brief history of Durham, North Carolina from the 1600s to the mid-20th century. It discusses how the area was originally inhabited by Native Americans and then explored by Europeans in the late 1600s and 1700s. It then covers the growth of the town of Durham around railroads and tobacco processing in the 1800s. Key figures and companies in Durham's development are also mentioned, including the American Tobacco Company and Duke family's role in the town's economic success through tobacco. The document touches on other industries like textiles that developed in Durham as well as the growth of the African American community and institutions like North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company.
The document provides information about key events leading up to and during the American Civil War, including South Carolina's secession from the Union in 1861 which sparked other southern states to form the Confederate States of America. It also discusses slavery during this period and the Underground Railroad network that helped slaves escape to freedom, describing methods of travel and important figures like Harriet Tubman who led escapes.
John Brown raided the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859 in an attempt to start a slave rebellion and arm freed slaves. The raid failed as Brown did not gain the support of local slaves and was surrounded by local militia and US Marines. Brown was captured and later hanged for treason against Virginia. Though unsuccessful, the raid heightened sectional tensions between north and south and helped propel the nation toward civil war.
1) In May 1864, General William T. Sherman led over 100,000 Union troops into Georgia from Tennessee to capture the city of Atlanta, a key railroad and industrial center.
2) After battling Confederate forces led by General Joseph Johnston and John Bell Hood outside Atlanta over the summer, Sherman forced the Confederates to abandon Atlanta in September 1864.
3) In November 1864, Sherman marched his army of 60,000 men unopposed from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying military targets and infrastructure along the way to break Confederate resistance.
Francis Marion, Irregular Life of an Irregular WarriorCraig Campbell
This document provides a summary of the life and career of Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox" for his guerilla tactics against the British in South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War. It describes how Marion helped keep the dream of American independence alive after the fall of Charleston through hit-and-run attacks on British forces from hiding places in the swamps. Though he never commanded a large army, Marion's irregular warfare tied down British troops and allowed other American forces to regroup against the British. The document provides background on Marion's early life and military service prior to the Revolutionary War, and highlights some of his key campaigns and successes in harassing the British as the "Swamp Fox" through tactics learned fighting
The document summarizes key events of the Civil War in Mississippi, including the formation of the Confederate States, battles at Corinth and Shiloh in 1862, multiple campaigns to take Vicksburg led by Grant and Sherman from 1862-1863, the siege and surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, and the end of the war in 1865. It also discusses the roles of African American troops from Mississippi in the Union army.
Civil war and reconstruction spring 2014 ppAndy Ligeti
The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 was one of the bloodiest single-days of battle in American history, with over 22,000 casualties. General Robert E. Lee hoped a victory at Antietam might convince Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy. However, the battle resulted in a tactical standoff. Though inconclusive, it ended Lee's campaign in Maryland and halted the Confederacy's hopes for foreign recognition due to their inability to score a decisive victory.
The document provides background on two late Roman battles - the Battle of Strasbourg in 357 AD and the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD. It discusses the organization and changes to the late Roman army. It then provides detailed accounts of the Battle of Strasbourg, where Julian decisively defeated an Alamanni force, and the aftermath, where Julian was able to reassert Roman control over the region.
1) In May 1861, the Confederacy established a functioning government in Richmond and controlled virtually all of the territory of the 11 secessionist states, about 750,000 square miles.
2) After the Union defeat at Bull Run, Abraham Lincoln appointed 34-year-old George McClellan to command the Army of the Potomac. McClellan's goal was to preserve the Union.
3) The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 was the bloodiest single-day battle of the American Civil War and resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. It halted Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland and provided an opportunity for Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
1) In May 1861, the Confederate states established a functioning government in Richmond and controlled virtually all of the territory of the 11 Confederate states.
2) President Lincoln wished to preserve the Union and achieve a united nation of all states.
3) After the Union defeat at Bull Run, Lincoln appointed 34-year-old General McClellan to command the Army of the Potomac to defend Washington D.C.
The Battle of Bull Run ended the initial "Ninety-Day War" between the Union and Confederate armies. Though not a decisive battle militarily, it had significant psychological and political consequences for both sides. Later, the Peninsula Campaign led by General George McClellan against Richmond was ultimately unsuccessful due to various compromising factors. The Seven Days Battles in June-July 1862 drove McClellan's Army of the Potomac back from the Peninsula in a costly failure for the Union.
The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 halted General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland and forced his retreat, though it resulted in a high casualty toll. While not a clear Union victory, it allowed President Lincoln to issue the Emancip
The document provides a chapter-by-chapter summary of the book "Antietam: Crossroads of Freedom" by Rachel Nicole Tunnell. It discusses key events and battles of the American Civil War from 1861-1862, including Bull Run, the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run, and Antietam. The Battle of Antietam halted Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North and provided an opportunity for Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, turning the war into a fight to end slavery.
The First Bull Run Battle map shows the locations of troops and landmarks from the first major battle of the Civil War at Bull Run. The map was printed shortly after the battle in Harper's Weekly newspaper. It depicts the positions of Rebel Batteries, Union troops, and areas around Centerville, Mannassas Junction, Bull's Run Creek, and more. Key figures on both the Union and Confederate sides are also located on the map. The document then provides context that the Confederate troops were called to defend Richmond at Manassas Junction after the evacuation of Fort Sumter. It also notes that Confederate General Beauregard was at Manassas Junction with the main Confederate army.
The First Bull Run Battle map shows the locations of troops and landmarks from the first major battle of the Civil War at Bull Run. The map was printed shortly after the battle in Harper's Weekly newspaper. It depicts the positions of Rebel Batteries, Union troops, and areas around Centerville, Mannassas Junction, Bull's Run Creek, and Stone Bridge. Key Confederate and Union commanders are also located on the map. The document then provides context that the Confederate General Beauregard assumed command of Confederate troops at Manassas Junction on June 2nd, 49 days after the fall of Fort Sumter, in response to the gathering of Confederate troops there requiring a Union defense of Washington D.C.
This document provides context about baseball in the United States during World War II. It discusses how Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis wanted to keep baseball going to boost morale on the home front. When the U.S. entered the war in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Landis received approval from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a "Green Light Letter" to continue the baseball season while still allowing players to serve if drafted. Major league owners supported continuing baseball and teams began donating proceeds from games to war charities to support the war effort.
Commodore David Conner and his Home Squadron faced significant challenges in preparing for and executing the largest amphibious landing in history at Veracruz, Mexico in 1847. With limited support from Washington, Conner had to expand his squadron, secure necessary supplies of coal, food and water, and ready his fleet to transport and support General Winfield Scott's army of 14,000 troops. Through decisive action, the landing was achieved without loss of life on March 9th. However, Conner's poor health led to his being relieved by Commodore Matthew Perry, who then provided naval support during the successful siege and capture of Veracruz.
The document provides an account of the events that took place in Concord, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775 that marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. It describes how British forces marched to Concord to confiscate weapons and supplies stored by the colonists. Upon arriving, they engaged with local militias, resulting in the first battles of the war at Lexington and Concord Bridge. As the British forces retreated, they were continuously attacked by colonial militiamen, marking the start of open conflict between Britain and its colonies in America.
This document provides an overview of the American Civil War through discussion and analysis of paintings depicting various battles and events. It begins by discussing how the channel aims to focus on the human aspects and struggles of the war, as well as notable Civil War paintings. Numerous battles are then summarized, including Fort Sumter, Bull Run, Shiloh, the Seven Days Battles, and Second Manassas. Figures like John Brown, Frederick Douglass, Ulysses Grant, George McClellan, Joseph Johnston, and Robert E. Lee are mentioned in relation to these battles. Casualty numbers are regularly provided. The document promotes additional resources on its channel and blogs for further learning.
The Epic Series of War, Duty and Loyalty. First book free!Bob Mayer
This document summarizes and advertises a historical fiction series by Bob Mayer about key figures in American history who attended West Point Military Academy prior to the Civil War. It provides background on characters like William Tecumseh Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and others who went on to command both sides of the Civil War. The series follows these characters from their time at West Point through major events like the Mexican-American War and culminates with the pivotal Battle of Shiloh, where the Civil War took a decisive turn. It promotes the first book in the series and teases plot points involving honor, loyalty, duty and the personal costs of the coming conflict between the states.
From West Point in 1843 through the Mexican War. the tough years between the wars and then into the Civil War we follow West Pointers on their journey both fame and infamy.
The Bull City: A Short History of Durham, North CarolinaMorgan Capps
This document provides a brief history of Durham, North Carolina from the 1600s to the mid-20th century. It discusses how the area was originally inhabited by Native Americans and then explored by Europeans in the late 1600s and 1700s. It then covers the growth of the town of Durham around railroads and tobacco processing in the 1800s. Key figures and companies in Durham's development are also mentioned, including the American Tobacco Company and Duke family's role in the town's economic success through tobacco. The document touches on other industries like textiles that developed in Durham as well as the growth of the African American community and institutions like North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company.
The document provides information about key events leading up to and during the American Civil War, including South Carolina's secession from the Union in 1861 which sparked other southern states to form the Confederate States of America. It also discusses slavery during this period and the Underground Railroad network that helped slaves escape to freedom, describing methods of travel and important figures like Harriet Tubman who led escapes.
John Brown raided the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1859 in an attempt to start a slave rebellion and arm freed slaves. The raid failed as Brown did not gain the support of local slaves and was surrounded by local militia and US Marines. Brown was captured and later hanged for treason against Virginia. Though unsuccessful, the raid heightened sectional tensions between north and south and helped propel the nation toward civil war.
1) In May 1864, General William T. Sherman led over 100,000 Union troops into Georgia from Tennessee to capture the city of Atlanta, a key railroad and industrial center.
2) After battling Confederate forces led by General Joseph Johnston and John Bell Hood outside Atlanta over the summer, Sherman forced the Confederates to abandon Atlanta in September 1864.
3) In November 1864, Sherman marched his army of 60,000 men unopposed from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying military targets and infrastructure along the way to break Confederate resistance.
Francis Marion, Irregular Life of an Irregular WarriorCraig Campbell
This document provides a summary of the life and career of Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox" for his guerilla tactics against the British in South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War. It describes how Marion helped keep the dream of American independence alive after the fall of Charleston through hit-and-run attacks on British forces from hiding places in the swamps. Though he never commanded a large army, Marion's irregular warfare tied down British troops and allowed other American forces to regroup against the British. The document provides background on Marion's early life and military service prior to the Revolutionary War, and highlights some of his key campaigns and successes in harassing the British as the "Swamp Fox" through tactics learned fighting
The document summarizes key events of the Civil War in Mississippi, including the formation of the Confederate States, battles at Corinth and Shiloh in 1862, multiple campaigns to take Vicksburg led by Grant and Sherman from 1862-1863, the siege and surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, and the end of the war in 1865. It also discusses the roles of African American troops from Mississippi in the Union army.
Civil war and reconstruction spring 2014 ppAndy Ligeti
The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 was one of the bloodiest single-days of battle in American history, with over 22,000 casualties. General Robert E. Lee hoped a victory at Antietam might convince Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy. However, the battle resulted in a tactical standoff. Though inconclusive, it ended Lee's campaign in Maryland and halted the Confederacy's hopes for foreign recognition due to their inability to score a decisive victory.
The document provides background on two late Roman battles - the Battle of Strasbourg in 357 AD and the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD. It discusses the organization and changes to the late Roman army. It then provides detailed accounts of the Battle of Strasbourg, where Julian decisively defeated an Alamanni force, and the aftermath, where Julian was able to reassert Roman control over the region.
1) In May 1861, the Confederacy established a functioning government in Richmond and controlled virtually all of the territory of the 11 secessionist states, about 750,000 square miles.
2) After the Union defeat at Bull Run, Abraham Lincoln appointed 34-year-old George McClellan to command the Army of the Potomac. McClellan's goal was to preserve the Union.
3) The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 was the bloodiest single-day battle of the American Civil War and resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. It halted Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland and provided an opportunity for Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
1) In May 1861, the Confederate states established a functioning government in Richmond and controlled virtually all of the territory of the 11 Confederate states.
2) President Lincoln wished to preserve the Union and achieve a united nation of all states.
3) After the Union defeat at Bull Run, Lincoln appointed 34-year-old General McClellan to command the Army of the Potomac to defend Washington D.C.
The Battle of Bull Run ended the initial "Ninety-Day War" between the Union and Confederate armies. Though not a decisive battle militarily, it had significant psychological and political consequences for both sides. Later, the Peninsula Campaign led by General George McClellan against Richmond was ultimately unsuccessful due to various compromising factors. The Seven Days Battles in June-July 1862 drove McClellan's Army of the Potomac back from the Peninsula in a costly failure for the Union.
The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 halted General Robert E. Lee's invasion of Maryland and forced his retreat, though it resulted in a high casualty toll. While not a clear Union victory, it allowed President Lincoln to issue the Emancip
The document provides a chapter-by-chapter summary of the book "Antietam: Crossroads of Freedom" by Rachel Nicole Tunnell. It discusses key events and battles of the American Civil War from 1861-1862, including Bull Run, the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run, and Antietam. The Battle of Antietam halted Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North and provided an opportunity for Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, turning the war into a fight to end slavery.
The First Bull Run Battle map shows the locations of troops and landmarks from the first major battle of the Civil War at Bull Run. The map was printed shortly after the battle in Harper's Weekly newspaper. It depicts the positions of Rebel Batteries, Union troops, and areas around Centerville, Mannassas Junction, Bull's Run Creek, and more. Key figures on both the Union and Confederate sides are also located on the map. The document then provides context that the Confederate troops were called to defend Richmond at Manassas Junction after the evacuation of Fort Sumter. It also notes that Confederate General Beauregard was at Manassas Junction with the main Confederate army.
The First Bull Run Battle map shows the locations of troops and landmarks from the first major battle of the Civil War at Bull Run. The map was printed shortly after the battle in Harper's Weekly newspaper. It depicts the positions of Rebel Batteries, Union troops, and areas around Centerville, Mannassas Junction, Bull's Run Creek, and Stone Bridge. Key Confederate and Union commanders are also located on the map. The document then provides context that the Confederate General Beauregard assumed command of Confederate troops at Manassas Junction on June 2nd, 49 days after the fall of Fort Sumter, in response to the gathering of Confederate troops there requiring a Union defense of Washington D.C.
This document provides context about baseball in the United States during World War II. It discusses how Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis wanted to keep baseball going to boost morale on the home front. When the U.S. entered the war in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Landis received approval from President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a "Green Light Letter" to continue the baseball season while still allowing players to serve if drafted. Major league owners supported continuing baseball and teams began donating proceeds from games to war charities to support the war effort.
Commodore David Conner and his Home Squadron faced significant challenges in preparing for and executing the largest amphibious landing in history at Veracruz, Mexico in 1847. With limited support from Washington, Conner had to expand his squadron, secure necessary supplies of coal, food and water, and ready his fleet to transport and support General Winfield Scott's army of 14,000 troops. Through decisive action, the landing was achieved without loss of life on March 9th. However, Conner's poor health led to his being relieved by Commodore Matthew Perry, who then provided naval support during the successful siege and capture of Veracruz.
The document discusses four colonial women - Marie-Joseph Angélique, Patience Boston, Madam Knight, and Elizabeth Ashbridge - and how they each sought and sometimes achieved personal freedoms within the restrictive societies of New England and New France in the 17th-18th centuries. Marie-Joseph Angélique, an enslaved woman in Montreal, attempted to escape to gain freedom but was executed for allegedly starting a fire. Patience Boston rejected Puritan society by living a rebellious lifestyle. Madam Knight demonstrated freedom of movement and expression through her travel journal. Elizabeth Ashbridge found religious and economic freedom through the Great Awakening religious movement and her work as a seamstress.
Wall Street Journal Article Class AssignmentKeith Rakes
President Henry Matai announced that the United States will lift its embargo against Cuba and restore diplomatic relations after 51 years. This comes after President Matai and Cuban President Raul Castro briefly met at the Olympics and agreed in subsequent discussions to end the embargo and Cold War tensions between the two countries. The administration outlined a three-part plan for Cuba to transition to a full democracy, including legalizing private businesses and opposition parties by 2015 and elections in 2016 and 2017, in exchange for Cuba fulfilling promises like returning seized American properties. President Matai believes this will allow the Cuban people to determine their own destiny as a free, democratic state integrated into the global economy.
Smith v. Washington Constitutional Law ClassKeith Rakes
The Supreme Court ruled that freezing oneself before death is not constitutionally protected and that Washington's Death with Dignity Act is unconstitutional. The petitioner, a terminally ill 19-year-old, wanted to freeze himself before death in hopes of future resuscitation, but the state argued this would be legally considered murder. While acknowledging an individual's right to privacy and liberty, the Court determined the state has a compelling interest to protect vulnerable citizens and uphold equal protection under the law. The opinion found legal and ethical issues with physician-assisted suicide and premortem freezing that could undermine the doctor-patient relationship and potentially lead to abuse.
Cherry Point, WA Environmental AnalysisKeith Rakes
The document discusses a proposed coal transfer station at Cherry Point in Whatcom County, Washington. Local tribes and residents are concerned about the environmental impacts, especially how stormwater would be managed. Whatcom County receives significant rainfall annually and experiences powerful winter storms. The initial plans for stormwater management may not be adequate to handle a major storm. For the project to be approved, the plans would need to implement new stormwater technologies and expand existing systems. Approval also depends on the state creating a dedicated stormwater policy and updating relevant laws.
The document provides an overview of the history of mountaintop coal mining in Southern West Virginia. It discusses how mining has evolved from underground shaft mining to mountaintop removal mining since the 1960s. It describes the environmental impacts of mountaintop mining such as pollution of headwater streams and effects on aquatic life. The document also outlines the history of company towns and unions in the mining industry as well as current conservation efforts regarding reforestation and stream restoration.
The region of El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, MX has four shared water sources - the Rio Grande River and three aquifers. Population growth in both cities has caused overpumping of the Hueco Bolson aquifer. While some communication exists between the cities regarding this aquifer, both have implemented limits on pumping and El Paso has mandatory water conservation. Treaties between the US and Mexico have established the International Boundary and Water Commission to regulate surface water along the border and built dams for water storage, but groundwater management differs by state. Stakeholders have proposed reorganizing the IBWC and creating a new treaty to improve cooperation on shared water resources.
2. 2
As Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and his army of 64,000 troops were
marching through Georgia, the city of Columbia, SC was getting ready for a possible attack.
Being the capital of South Carolina, many local families felt that the city would be sacked by
union forces during the war. Their fears came true in February 1865 when Gen. Sherman
marched into Columbia, freed the slaves and issue orders to burn public property in the city.
Before Sherman reached Columbia, a small army lead by Confederate General Wade Hampton,
evacuated his troops and set large bails of cotton on fire in the middle of the streets. This forced
Sherman to change his plans and contain those fires. He also, briefly, lost control of his men
when they found the large liquor storage facilities. This would lead his troops to get drunk,
pillage, and burn a majority of the city. The city officials blamed Sherman for the burning, yet it
was the retreating confederate forces that initiated it while they were in retreat. To this, should
Union General William Tecumseh Sherman hold full responsibility for the burning of Columbia,
SC in 1865?
Columbia during the civil war was a small, vibrant city in between rivers and swamp
land. The population during the war never exceeded 10,000 and was the second largest city in
South Carolina, behind Charleston. Home to South Carolina College, the city had a youthful feel
during the fall and winter months. Being in the middle of the state, it bolstered a vibrant business
district that was fairly large for a city its size. It was also the main holding facilities for cotton
plantations in the state. On the outskirts of town, many warehouses were built to handle the
cotton being brought in. With an embargo on cotton during the war due to the blockade, and
cotton still being grown during the war, the warehouses were overfull which would later be a
problem. Still, Columbia was the capital of the first state to secede from the United States and
would eventually be a target for the enemy. According to Sherman and the Burning of Columbia
3. 3
by Marion Brunson Lucas states that Columbia had a large number of military organizations in
1861 that “leading citizens, to fulfill their responsibility, organized volunteer companies such as
the Governor’s Guards, the Richland Rifles, the Carolina Blues, the Columbia Artillery, and the
Congaree Cavalry.”1
These organizations were for men in the upper classes of Columbia’s
society, any men from the lower class went into “un-named militia companies.” Even the whole
male student body at South Carolina College gave up their studies and volunteered for the army
in 1861. The Confederate government left the arming of the militias and armies to the states. For
South Carolina, the State Arsenal was located in Columbia with smaller arsenals across the state.
Columbia was ready for an attack if it ever came, and it would late in the war.
Columbia was ready for an attack, but would have to wait to hopefully try their defenses.
In 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman was leading his army of 64,000 troops through
Georgia. He attacked and burned Atlanta, and then cut across the state and captured Savannah on
Christmas day, 1864. After Sherman reached Savannah, he received permission to invade South
Carolina and capture Columbia. The March through lower South Carolina was downright awful
for the troops. Most of the land was (and still is) marsh land that made the march that more
difficult. Along the route, they had to deal with small skirmishes by Confederate militias.
According to a Captain in Sherman’s army he writes in his diary that “the enemy’s force
consisted of two or three Regiments of Wheeler’s Corps. of Cavalry.”2
These skirmishes, along
with the swamp land, slowed the march down but with Sherman’s attitude and his soldier’s
loyalty, they kept pushing forward until they reached Columbia. Sherman’s army reached
Columbia on February 16, 1865. All the Confederate forces evacuated the city and left only the
1
Marion Brunson Lucas, Sherman and the burning of Columbia (College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press,
1976). p. 24
2
Unknown author, The Fiery Trail: A Union Officers Account of Sherman’s Last Campaign 1865 (Knoxville, TN: The
University of Tennessee Press, 1986) p. 124
4. 4
citizens. When they left, they burned a majority of the cotton from the warehouses by pushing it
into the middle of the streets then lighting it on fire. In Charles Royster’s The Destructive War,
Sherman’s orders were “occupy Columbia, destroy the public buildings, railroad property,
manufacturing and machine shops, but will spare libraries and asylums, and private dwellings.”3
Yet Sherman knew from his soldiers that no matter what, the city was doomed.
The Mayor of Columbia surrendered his city on February 17, 1865. The Captain writes
on this date that “this morning, Columbia was a beautiful little city, tonight it is a “Sea of Fire”…
the scene is both terrible and grand.”4
The Union troops felt like retaliating against Columbia
because it’s the capital of the first state to secede. Sherman understood his troop’s resentment
towards the city, but ignored them as the city surrendered believing it was rhetoric. According to
a staff officer in Sherman’s army:
General Sherman and General Howard were the first to cross the bridge, and entered the city,
followed by their staffs. A scene of shameful confusion met their eyes. On every side were
evidences of disorder; bales of cotton scattered here and there; articles of household furniture
and merchandise of every description cast pell-mell in every direction by the frightened
inhabitants who had escaped from a city which was supposed was doomed to destruction.5
As Sherman was the highest ranking officer in his grand army, it was three separate
armies that made it up. Howard was Major General O. O. Howard, Commanding Officer of the
Army of the Tennessee that made up the bulk of Sherman’s army. He was also Sherman’s
second in command. When the surrender papers were signed, Sherman gave the order to bring in
3
Charles Roysters, The Destructive War (New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1991). p. 16
4
Unknown Author, p. 127
5
Unknown Author, The Story of the Great March from the diary of a Staff Officer (New York, Harper and Brothers,
1865). P. 161
5. 5
12,000 soldiers to occupy the city and carry out orders. The soldiers were from Howard’s army
that wanted to make Columbia look like Atlanta. Howard also ignored the talk. Union regiments
entered the city and could not believe what they saw. In Burke Davis’s book Sherman’s March,
she says “many of these men agreed with Sherman that cotton bales were already blazing in the
streets when they entered.”6
By early evening the fires were put out, but started back up during
the night. No one for sure if they started back on their own or if someone re-lit the cotton.
Howard’s army, while foraging for supplies came upon a liquor store and proceeded to help
themselves to the new find. For the soldiers, this would fuel to their hatred of the South Carolina
Capital and when Major General Howard found out what had happened, a majority of his
soldiers were drunk and pillaging the city. It is unknown if these soldiers also set fires to the
buildings and stores they were pillaging at the time. The cotton was again in a fire which was not
being contained. Sherman, seeing a disaster, rushed in men to put out the fires and restore order.
Yet to this, there are conflicting stories on how the fires started. In the book Sack and
Destruction of the city of Columbia, SC by William Gilmore Simms, he writes that a soldier
pointed out to the Mayor and said “Alas! Alas! For your poor city! It is doomed. Those rockets
are the signal. The town is to be fired.”7
Sherman was asleep at the time leaving his soldiers with
no supervision. The soldiers, who a majority of them were drunk began to set the buildings
downtown on fire. As much as twenty districts were set ablaze by the retaliating Union soldiers.
When Sherman woke up, he found the city in a blaze and rushed to get his men to contain and
put out the fires. Sherman’s orders were to burn the public buildings of the city that could mean
that the soldier who ordered the rockets launched were from Sherman. Sherman denied this in his
report to Grant. The subsequent fire would be devastating.
6
Burk Davis, Sherman’s March (New York, Random House, 1980). P. 163
7
William Gilmore Simms, The Sack and Destruction of Columbia, SC (Columbia, SC, Power Press of Daily Phoenix,
1865). P. 32
6. 6
Sherman did not waste time in having his orders be carried out. The fires were broke on
Midnight of February 17th
and lasted all morning. The soldiers, who were still drunk or getting
their, was still pillaging for supplies and anything they could use for their own sake. Even though
Sherman only wanted public building to be burned, this would be a problem. Columbia was built
entirely out of wood. Along with a gentle wind from the north, the fires were easily spread to
other buildings. The fires continued until the next day with further orders from Sherman. More
public buildings were to be burned with one exception. The new South Carolina state Capitol
was being built at the time and Sherman, seeing it as a work of art, decided to let it stand. On the
nineteenth, an accident occurred near the Congaree River that resulted in a huge explosion.
Union soldiers mixed up black powder and ammunition causing a massive explosion, causing
adjacent ammunition to explode as well. One Union soldier stated that “the result was
mournfully disastrous, for several men were killed and twenty were wounded.”8
Sherman was
horrified at what he heard and was over heard in saying that “the life of one of his soldiers was of
more value than all the arsenals and magazines in the South- or even the city of Columbia
itself.”9
The fire itself was awful for the citizens who were still living in the city at the time.
Most store front cellars contained additional ammunition and powder that would go off when the
fires reached them. Also the soldiers, who were drunk, were continuing to pillage and terrorize
the citizens, which made the officers sick. In Jim Miles To the Sea: A History and Tour Guide of
Sherman’s March, he says that the union officers lost control of their men during the siege
“Federal soldiers raped a number of black women, and one infantryman was killed by an officer
while attempting to rape a white girl.”10
He also states that “other soldiers were shot in the act of
8
Unknown Author, p. 170
9
Unknown Author, p. 170
10
Jim Miles, To The Sea: A History and Tour Guide of Sherman’s March (Nashville, TN, Rutledge Hill Press, 1989). P.
256
7. 7
setting fires and robbing citizens.”11
Many soldiers who were still in the city began taking
burning cotton and throwing it into the homes of Columbia’s upper class. Many of these small
fires were put out but some prominent families did loose their homes. The fire would last till the
morning of the nineteenth.
When the soldiers woke up on the morning of the nineteenth, a majority of the fires were
out or still smoldering. One captain wrote in his diary that “the people were scattered about the
streets, stupefied by the terror of last night and their present destitution.”12
Sherman ordered an
investigation to see how much damage was caused. In the end, about three fourths of the city was
destroyed. From the business district to the Northeast section of town, anything that was
combustible was destroyed. The only objects left standing was the unfinished state Capitol, the
stone buildings of the South Carolina College (that Sherman was using as a hospital) and a statue
to the South Carolina veterans of the Mexican War. All total 458 buildings, both public and
private, were lost including eight homes of prominent Columbian families. Lucas writes that
“while residences in the center of town were hard hit, the business community was virtually
wiped- out.” The number of deaths is unknown but to the Union officers, it was Atlanta all over
again.
As soon as the fires were put out and clean up began, questions started to rise between the
city officials and General Sherman with one main question: who caused the fire? For the city, it
was Sherman’s soldiers, who were left unsupervised by their superior officers, allowed to get
drunk off and set subsequent fires to the city. A committee was set up to investigate the burnings,
talk to witnesses, took in evidence, and charges against Sherman and his staff. After conducting
11
Jim Miles, p. 256
12
Unknown Author, p. 134
8. 8
an investigation, the committee in 1873, charged Sherman with barbarism. The federal court
dismissed the charge. Also in 1873, The South Carolina government appointed a mixed
committee to find more evidence against the Union army and Sherman. They concluded that the
only charge they could come up with, according to Lucas was “that he desired the destruction of
Columbia and entered the state solely for that purpose, a thought which only belatedly entered
the minds of the military men defending South Carolina. To this date, this has been the only
major charged brought up against Sherman. South Carolina proceeded to bring up new
committees to bring up charges against the Union in 1929 and 1930, but all failed. Even though
Columbia wanted answers from Sherman, he would do just that, but would not take the blame.
Sherman left Columbia on February 20, 1865 and headed north towards North Carolina.
He would not have an official response to the fires of Columbia until April 4. Sherman denied
that he ordered the destruction of Columbia, at least the private property. His only orders were to
burn the public property and anything that the rebels could use to defend themselves. To make
his point, he talks that the rebel army that were supposed to be protecting the city failed to do so.
That they were the ones that caused the fires of the cotton bales in the streets. Also, the rebel
army left tons of weaponry at the state arsenal that triggered the large explosions. To answer for
his soldiers terrorizing behavior, he points that the alcohol should have been properly disposed of
before the city surrendered. Sherman does say in his report that a majority of the residential
sections, the unfinished state capitol building, and the College was spared from the fire, and
those that were lost (primarily homes in the central business district) were deemed losses of war.
Another thing was that the city was built out of wood when most cities were changing to stone or
other materials. With this, and buildings being built so close together, that even with the fire
being contained, there was little that could be done to protect the private dwellings. Sherman did
9. 9
not reprimand his officers or send his troops to court marshal; to him what happened in
Columbia was the Confederacy’s fault. The Confederacy let Columbia down, and they paid the
price.
After the war, the soldiers came home and started to rebuild the city. Instead of wood,
they used stone and other materials to rebuild downtown. The state capitol was completed and
opened in the 1870’s. The people who lived through it struggled to move forward. The city was
modernized with paved streets of brick and cobblestone, and sidewalks lined with trees. The city
along with the state government has yet to receive an apology from the federal government for
the destruction of the city. For the people of Columbia, the war was over and even they had to
rebuild and move on with their lives.
For Sherman, the Confederate army that abandoned Columbia and her citizens were a
heavy blow to the people. Along with them abandoning the large amounts of ammunition, along
with setting bales of cotton on fire in the streets of a wooden city, was a disaster waiting to
happen. Sherman did all that he could to put out the fires and was hoping that his staff would
carry out his orders. As they did, they lost control of their men as well. By them finding the
alcohol storage, causing them to get drunk, they unleashed their own version of terror on the
citizens forcing the officers to use deadly force to regain control. Sherman did everything he
could to save the city. Yet for him it was too late. Sherman viewed it as a loss of war and it was
not his fault.
Should Union General William Tecumseh Sherman hold full responsibility for the
burning of Columbia, SC in 1865? As Commanding officer of his army, he is supposed to. Yet,
the situation was bad with his soldiers disliking of the city, adding large amounts of alcohol to
10. 10
the situation made it that much worse. Along with Sherman, the Confederacy should also take
responsibility for abandoning the city and leaving bales of cotton burning in the middle of the
streets. To this, General Sherman must accept partial responsibilities of the burning of Columbia
and partial responsibility of his soldier’s actions. For Sherman, the destruction of Columbia, SC
was a result of collateral damage, not of his direct orders.