Monday, September 23, 2013

Great Civil War songs

These songs show the range of joy, excitement and utter despair of the Civil War. At the Battle of Shiloh (April 6-7, 1862), 23,746 men gave some part of themselves for the war. The song "Shiloh Hill" shows the heartache of those men. "I'm a Good Old Rebel" shows the frustration with the loss of the war, and the resulting Reconstruction plans put forth by the federal government. Finally, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is the ultimate expression of a nation torn apart by this horrendous, bloody war. It is both somber about the war and optimistic about what may arise after the war is over.

Shiloh Hill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeYjtfsK338

I'm a Good Old Rebel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omqqGViq3Ng&list=PLA801FF4DB8F42470

The Battle Hymn of the Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJJm5amVw3w

Drummer Boy at the Battle of Shiloh
(Above) 1863 photo by Mathew Brady of the drummer boy of Shiloh, General John Clem (Courtesy of http://americasbesthistory.com/abh-shiloh.html)

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Interactive Civil War map

This website is a great way to get a visual for the sheer number of battles, and more importantly, the scope of these battles. I'm constantly in awe of the number of lives that were affected by this massive war.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/lifestyle/special/civil-war-interactive/civil-war-battles-and-casualties-interactive-map/