What were the main causes of division between the northern and southern states as described in the novel?

How did the war in Mexico affect each of the main characters?

Discuss caution on the battlefield. In battle, is caution a virtue? Do bold men always win, or is there a place for holding back?

Discuss arrogance among commanders. Is it essential to have some kind of ego when leading massive numbers of troops? How does the arrogance of McClellan differ from the arrogance of Hooker?

Reread Chamberlain's speeches to his students and his professors. Does he give a truly compelling argument for going to war?

Discuss the freeing of Lee's slaves. What would it be like to free all the slaves at once if they have no where to go and the plantations cannot pay them enough? Would sending all the freed slaves to...