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Defining Duty in the Civil War

Personal Choice, Popular Culture, and the Union Home Front
Pages
336
Published
2015
Language
English

Synopsis

During the American Civil War, Northern citizens grappled with the meaning of duty and citizenship amidst a distant yet deeply impactful conflict. This study explores how popular culture, including novels, poems, cartoons, and editorials, guided ordinary Americans in understanding their roles. J. Matthew Gallman reconsiders how Union civilians, both those who served and those who stayed home, navigated their responsibilities in a nation at war, creating new societal rules through shared cultural experiences.

About the author

J
J. Matthew Gallman

J. Matthew Gallman is a historian known for his work on American history. His book, Tour of Reconstruction, offers readers a clear look at the Reconstruction era.