1. How realistic is life portrayed in this border town during the Civil War? What are some of the important aspects of this community?

2. Explain some of the causes of the American Civil War. Was the question of slavery the only reason for this war?

3. Who were the German immigrants, and why were they important in this novel?

4. Research and write a paper on one of the following characters and their roles in the American Civil War: Abraham Lincoln, General Caliborne Jackson, General Sterling Price.