Summary:
This is a character analysis of six generals of the Civil War. From the Confederate side we learn about Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet and Arthur Fremantle. From the North are Chamberlain, John Buford and Kilran.
The American Civil War exploded after a build up of events causing tension and sectionalism between the north and the south. The American Civil war was the 'noblest' of conflicts because it was a fight for personal belief. The north wanted independence and they wanted to bring an end to slavery and for equal rights. The south wanted to preserve slavery and the agricultural way of life. The Civil war eventually ended with the northern victory. This resulted in the abolishment of slavery and for a reconstruction program, which gave the blacks freedom, equality and the right to vote according to the 14th and 15th Amendment to the Constitution. The American civil war was a noble fight for freedom, and both sides made human and economic sacrifices in their struggle to achieve their cause, and the effects of it made historical impact which set the stage for the democracy America still preserves till this day.
Robert E Lee was a confederate leader. Although he was fighting for the south, he did not believe in slavery and was not in favor of secession. "It was no cause and no country he fought for, no ideal and no justice." (p 263) He had admired George Washington and he believed that his state was protecting the principals and beliefs Washington had fought for. His sacrificial nature can be seen through his actions. He left the Union, just like Washington had left the British Empire to fight for the South, and he knew "he had broken the vow, and he would pay," (p 264) He was willing to sacrifice anything, even his army, for the victory of the war. He would have agreed with Churchill that the Civil war was the 'noblest' of conflicts because he was fighting for his people who 'were worth the war' (p 263).
General James Longstreet was another Confederate in the civil war. He believed "honor without intelligence is a disaster." (p 133) He felt that dying did not show courage or bravery because it was 'easy to die' (p 133) And although he was a stubborn man, he still carried out Lee's orders, even though he disagreed with them.
Arthur Fremantle was an Englishman and he felt 'contempt for the Yankees' (p156).. He felt at home with the Southerners who he felt were 'Englishmen' (p 157) Though he is fighting for the south, he still feels that 'slavery is a bit embarrassing' (p 165) and that it will end soon. He feels that the war is was really about returning to the aristocratic old country and to restore tradition.
Chamberlain was a Union colonel. He felt "at home everywhere, even in Virginia"(p 123). He believed in fighting to save the union but unlike many other fighting for the Union did not know much about slavery, from the way he handled the incident with the black man. His feelings described in p 167 shows that he has little interaction with black men, and therefore one can infer that his reasons for fighting probably was not for the abolishment of slavery. He showed good care for his men's welfare, which can be simply seen throughout the book, by the way he treats his brother, Tom, and making sure he is safe during battle. He probably did not feel that the civil war was that noble because he did not know much of slavery, which was one of the main causes of the war.
John Buford is a general for the union. He shows his distaste for the south and notices the confederacy's faults, like their lack of Calvary (p 34). He is interested only in using the best tactics for the situation, and is well known for holding good ground. He is not interested in tactics used for glory and honor. He shows little faith in the army as he had 'held good grounds before and sent out appeals and help never came." (p 46) He also does not get to know many officers very well because he feels that they die too young and too soon.
Kilran was one of Chamberlain's aide and most trusted advisor. However, he unlike Chamberlain does not show as much concern for the lives of others, which can be seen through his reaction to shooting the mutineers (p 18). He feels that man alive has 'no more value than a dead dog.' (p 178)He tells Chamberlain that he has reservations towards the blacks however he is not ashamed of it and that he feels one 'cannot judge a race' (p 176) however he does not believe in equality as he admits he is fighting for the 'right to prove that (he's) a better man than many.' (p 178) He probably saw nothing 'noble' in the war and was only fighting because he had to.
Towards the end of the book, Longstreet tells Lee that he could not 'go on leading them. To die. For nothing.' (p 339) This shows that he cares for his men's welfare. Lee however argues that 'each man has his own reason to die' (p 339) and that sacrificing their men was something they needed to do to fight in the war. Barksdale shows courage and 'physical courage' as he ran 'straight for the guns' (p 205) during battle. When given three pieces of chicken, Chamberlain eats one and 'preserves the other two' (p 306) for his army to share. This is a good example of caring for the army's welfare.
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