Tag: civil war
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Midnight on the Potomac by Scott Ellsworth
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Midnight on the Potomac: An old story told new. Quick synopsis: A different look at the last year of the Civil War. Fact for Non-History People: Lincoln would even visit Confederate prisoner hospital tents during the war. Fact for History Nerds: One out of every 50 Americans were killed during the…
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Boutwell by Jeffrey Boutwell
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Boutwell: The dude behind the dude. Quick synopsis: The life of Civil War era politician, George Boutwell. Fact for Non-History People: During Reconstruction, President Grant only declared martial law once and it was in South Carolina. Fact for History Nerds: The number of slaves in the U.S. tripled between 1790 to…
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Somewhere Towards Freedom by Bennett Parten
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Somewhere Towards Freedom: A brutal army march was way better than the alternative. Quick synopsis: A look at Sherman’s March focusing on the stories of the newly freed slaves that followed his army. Fact for Non-History People: By the time Sherman reached Savannah, there were 20,000 freed slaves with him. Fact…
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Our Ancient Faith by Allen Guelzo
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Our Ancient Faith: The ultimate democracy fanboy. Quick synopsis: A look at how Abraham Lincoln treasured and communicated his love for American democracy. Fact for Non-History People: Abraham Lincoln is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Fact for History Nerds: Lincoln is the only president who holds a patent. It was…
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The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Immortal Irishman: This guy packed a lot into 44 years. Quick synopsis: The story of Thomas Francis Meagher who was an Irish Nationalist and American Civil War general. Fact for Non-History People: Meagher was actually sentenced to death by the British. His sentence was commuted to life in Tasmania. Yeah,…
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Wide Awake by Jon Grinspan
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Wide Awake: I don’t know who they liked, but I do know who they hated. Quick synopsis: The story of the Wide Awakes, who fought against the “slave power” around the time of the Civil War. Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like: A huge supporter of the Wide Awakes was P.T.…
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On Great Fields by Ronald White
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for On Great Fields: More than just a sweet mustache. Quick synopsis: A look at the life of Civil War officer and hero of Gettysburg, Joshua Chamberlain. Fact for Non-History People: Chamberlain was named after the American ship captain who is famous for the saying, “Don’t give up the ship.” Fact for…
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Sheridan’s Secret Mission by Robert Cwiklik
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Sheridan’s Secret Mission: Wasn’t much of secret. Quick synopsis: The story of when U.S. Grant sent Philip Sheridan to report on the civil unrest and racism in the South. Fact for Non-History People: Black men encompassed 10% of the Union forces. Fact for History Nerds: Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard grew up…
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Longstreet by Elizabeth Varon
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Longstreet: It’s never too late to stop being an idiot. I hope. Quick synopsis: The story of Confederate General James Longstreet and how he tried to atone for his mistakes. Fact for Non-History People: 30% of Virginia-born officers stayed loyal during the Civil War. Fact for History Nerds: In the 1880s,…
