The U.S. Civil War: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #641

by Louis P. Masur

More than one hundred and fifty years after the first shots were fired on Fort Sumter, the Civil War still captures the American imagination, and its reverberations can still be felt throughout America's social and political landscape.

Louis P. Masur's The U.S. Civil War: A Very Short Introduction offers a masterful and eminently readable overview of the war's multiple causes and catastrophic effects. Masur begins by examining the complex origins of the war, focusing on the pulsating tensions over states rights and slavery. The book then proceeds to cover, year by year, the major political, social, and military events, highlighting two important themes: how the war shifted from a limited conflict to restore the Union to an all-out war that would fundamentally transform Southern society, and the process by which the war ultimately became a battle to abolish slavery. Masur explains how the war turned what had been a loose collection of fiercely independent states into a nation, remaking its political, cultural, and social institutions. But he also focuses on the soldiers themselves, both Union and Confederate, whose stories constitute nothing less than America's Iliad. In the final chapter Masur considers the aftermath
of the South's surrender at Appomattox and the clash over the policies of reconstruction that continued to divide President and Congress, conservatives and radicals, Southerners and Northerners for years to come.

In 1873, Mark Twain and Charles Dudley wrote that the war had "wrought so profoundly upon the entire national character that the influence cannot be measured short of two or three generations." This concise history of the entire Civil War era offers an invaluable introduction to the dramatic events whose effects are still felt today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Race, Civil War, Military History

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2020

Reviews

[AC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much too superficial

[Ironically Nostalgic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fine introduction that lives up to its title. The narrative focuses on Lincoln's role--in particular, the conflicts he navigated as president throughout the Civil War. This approach keeps the reader focused on the broader picture. While the author sows some seeds regarding more in-depth topics (e.g. Contraband Camps, complex military conflicts, the 'Lost Cause', etc.), the reader may be left wanting by the epilogue. That said, the author leaves us with a solid further reading section. If you want a concise survey of the Civil War, you won't be disappointed.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

The US Civil War : A Very Short Introduction (2020) by Louis P Masur is a fine short book describing the Civil War in the US. Masur is a professor of History and American studies.

The book has a chapter on the long and short term causes of the war and then chapters for each year of the war from 1861 onwards with the final chapter covering 1865 and beyond.

Masur writes well and the book gives an excellent outline of the war that most people should learn something from. The US Civil War is a very good book from the Very Short Introductions series.

[benjamin m. guyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction

This is the first overview of the American Civil War that I have read since undergrad (more than 20 years ago!). I learned much and was fascinated to see that the actual history complicates and even contradicts the folk memories/folk wisdom that defines so much of modern American political partisanship. I highly recommend this volume.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthy of 4 stars, but I took another star off because of the way the bibliographical notes were organized; it was sometimes hard to find what source he was quoting from (could have just numbered the citations like most history books).

[Adam Bricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says it is.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best short introduction I’ve read so far- it captured the emotional aspects of the war along with the facts along with key highlights and quotes.

[Ash B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most straightforward recounting if the war I have read. The Short Introduction series makes me so happy. The authors who write for this series know how to divide content to create an information-heavy but easy read for the audience. The breakdown by years also makes this such a great book when you need to find sources. My knowledge of the war has expanded in a way that allows me to go back and touch on points I find important.