Tag Archives: Civil War

Causes of Peace, Part VI, Civil War, The Military Level and Political Will

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Fred Zilian

The Military Level First, The South had some notable advantages, including what are called “interior lines.” Defending its own territory from an external threat, it had shorter “lines of communication,” had greater familiarity with the terrain, and could count on … Continue reading →

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The Causes of Peace, Part III, Thinking About War, Paradigm #1

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Fred Zilian

In order truly to understand war & peace, we must delve into some military theory. A theory lays out the principal concepts of a given field of study and their relationships, and it must also explain the “why” of things: … Continue reading →

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Civil War Changed U.S. Forever

Posted on June 27, 2015 by Fred Zilian

(This essay was originally published by the Newport Daily News on June 24, 2015.) This year our country concludes its sesquicentennial celebration of the Civil War, fought 1861-1865, in which Americans fought, wounded, and killed each other in astounding numbers. … Continue reading →

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Climax at Appomattox

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Fred Zilian

(This essay was originally published as “Defeat, denial, and surrender,” in the Newport Daily News, April 9, 2015.) Despite the victory delusions of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the fortunes of the South deteriorated dramatically in March 1865. Gen. Robert E. … Continue reading →

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Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Fred Zilian

(This essay was originally published by the Newport Daily News as Lincoln looks to the future on March 5, 2015) On March 4, 1865, Abraham Lincoln was sworn in to his second term as the president of the United States, giving … Continue reading →

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Women and the Civil War

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Fred Zilian

(The essay was originally published as “Women and the War,” by the Newport Daily News on February 4, 2015.) While most women were content to remain at home and to focus on the home and their families when their husbands … Continue reading →

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Amid Horrors of 1864, R.I. Soldier Perseveres

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Fred Zilian

Through the battles, death, mud and misery of 1864, Elisha Hunt Rhodes, a Civil War soldier from the village of Pawtuxet, Cranston, was sustained by his indomitably positive spirit, a deep religious faith, and a firm commitment to the Union … Continue reading →

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Fall of Atlanta Boosts Lincoln’s Re-Election Hopes

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Fred Zilian

(This essay was originally published as “Tide of war turns at last,” in the Newport Daily News on August 16, 2014.) After the stunning Northern victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in July 1863, Northern hopes were high that the war … Continue reading →

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Burnside: A “Want of Success”

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Fred Zilian

(This essay was originally published by the Newport Daily News on June 18, 2014.) Ambrose Everett Burnside, Rhode Island’s most famous Civil War general, had a military career with actions sometimes very competent and praiseworthy but at other times incompetent … Continue reading →

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From Slavery to Greatness

Posted on May 9, 2014 by Fred Zilian

(This essay was originally published by the Newport Daily News on May 7, 2014.) Next to Martin Luther King, Frederick Douglass was probably the greatest African-American in US history. Unlike King, Frederick Douglass—born Frederick Bailey in February 1818—was not killed … Continue reading →

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