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