Monthly Archives: February 2026

How White Supremacist William Tecumseh Sherman Tried to Improve Slavery

William Tecumseh Sherman: A Self-Described White Supremacist During the U.S. Civil War, General William Tecumseh Sherman was one of the major architects of the Confederate defeat and the final overthrow of American slavery. Yet, in his personal attitudes, he was, … Continue reading

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The Fall of Vicksburg: Turning Point of the Civil War

Vicksburg: The Most Critical Battle of the Civil War? In early July of 1863, the campaign that, more than any other, determined the outcome of the American Civil War was concluded. That campaign was not the battle of Gettysburg, fought … Continue reading

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General George G. Meade: Hero of Gettysburg or Goat?

Why Meade’s Victory at Gettysburg Wasn’t Enough By winning the Battle of Gettysburg, General George Gordon Meade made a monumental contribution to preserving the Union and dooming the Confederacy’s bid for independence. But by only wounding Robert E. Lee’s army … Continue reading

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Why the South Loved General Sherman Before the Civil War

A Student and His Teacher Meet on the Battlefield During the Civil War Battle of Shiloh in April of 1862, a Confederate soldier from Louisiana was captured by Union troops. Normally, the young man, whose name was Barrow, would probably … Continue reading

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What Caused the Civil War According to the Confederates

The True Cause of the Civil War—A Never-Ending Debate If you’re in the mood to start a good argument, just ask someone a very simple question: “What caused the American Civil War?” In many parts of the United States, especially … Continue reading

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Samuel Upham: The Counterfeiter Who Helped Win the Civil War

Who Was Samuel Curtis Upham? It was early in 1862, and the Civil War had been raging for almost a year. Samuel Curtis Upham owned a little store in Philadelphia where he sold perfumes, drugs, cosmetics, stationery, and newspapers. But … Continue reading

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Robert Smalls: How He Captured a Ship to Escape From Slavery to Freedom

Who Is Robert Smalls? Robert Smalls was one of the most accomplished men of the 19th century. A ship’s pilot and Captain who fought in 17 engagements during the Civil War, he eventually would be commissioned a Major General in … Continue reading

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Abraham Lincoln’s Masterclass in Leadership: Letters to Civil War Generals

Abraham Lincoln: Commander-in-Chief When Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President of the United States in 1861, he took the helm of a nation in crisis. Seven slave-holding Southern states had already proclaimed their independence and formed a new … Continue reading

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How Abraham Lincoln Fired General John C. Fremont During the Civil War

Abraham Lincoln Relieves Major General John C. Fremont One of the more extraordinary episodes of the American Civil War occurred when President Abraham Lincoln decided to relieve Major General John C. Fremont of his command. The president knew Fremont would … Continue reading

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