All tagged Civil War

The Americanologist Book Review: Unexpected Finds and Murphy's Law

One of the unique human traits we share is the need to assign meaning to our lives. Among the many ways this occurs are the attachments we place on not only relationships with people, but to ideas, places, experiences, and objects that can transport us across time. As a public historian, I consider the preservation of archival material and artifacts a crucial duty in not only preserving the memory and history of the nation, but also a sacred bridge that helps us to make and interpret meanings by connecting us to deep reservoirs of knowledge and community.

Seeing the Elephant at McDowell, Virginia on May 8, 1862

One of the results of “Seeing the Elephant” for men on both sides was the moral dilemma of taking a human life, a particular philosophical and emotional problem studied by modern military psychologists, ethicists, and historians. This was an up-close and personal battle, including rifle volleys and bayonet charges, even as both sides were learning the impact of new rifle technology and the challenge of leading small communities of volunteer farmers, storekeepers, and laborers in modern industrial war. Keeping men together on an uphill, overhand climb of 200 feet at a time with an enemy shooting down at you is enough of a challenge. Even more sobering, pulling a trigger or thrusting a bayonet into the flesh of another human being was a new experience for both sides.