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The Soldiers' Cause: A Review of Why Men Fought in the War - Page 4

© Michael J. Swogger

In the South, some soldiers avowed to the defense of slavery as their reason for enlisting. Of the sample he covered (429 Confederate letters), however, McPherson states that few professed their desire to defend slavery outright. Instead, many coupled it with their fight for absolute liberty-to defend themselves against the usurpation of power by the federal government. This notion, as well as their intention to fight against being subjugated by the Northern oppressors, was much more dominant than any sentiment that made a clear connection between enlistment and the preservation of slavery. Further, it is safe to say that the unconditional preservation of slavery was not necessarily on the minds of the thousands of Southern soldiers who owned no slaves, though their interest in preserving the institution was much like that of their Northern counterparts, namely, free Negroes meant tougher competition for lower paying jobs.

After reading McPherson's book, I felt I had a better grasp on the whole concept of why a war, in this case the Civil War, is fought. It is too simplistic to narrow this to one issue or cause, and to do so does those who fought the conflict a terrible injustice. Additionally, when confronting this issue we need to ask numerous questions before our opinions begin to be formed. Which cause are we talking about? How many played combined roles in the soldiers? Which soldiers from which backgrounds are we talking about, white-collar workers and professionals or the Irish and German immigrants? At which point in the War are we referring? And, of course, which motivations-initial, sustaining, or combat? All of these questions will lay the foundation for the discussion ahead. All must be taken into consideration. And if done correctly, discourse on this subject will lead us to a similar conclusion as the one on the causes of the Civil War: there are indeed a great many.

Source

McPherson, J.M. (1997). For cause and comrades: Why men fought in the Civil War. New York: Oxford University Press.

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