As a student of history and particularly the Civil War, I am always interested in reading new interpretations of what occurred and why. A great deal of the book was spent on the conditions and issues that lead to Secession and the outbreak of war. The major conflagrations were covered briefly and perhaps missed some of the key components to the battles. And there was considerable time spent on the aftermath and Reconstruction.

It certainly shone a new light on a number of things but I do have a tiny problem with those who want to tear down what was once put up because it is distressing. It is my belief you have to look at both sides if you want to understand the implications. Seldom is there black and white. But the author does make some compelling arguments as to the challenges and trials that were not settled at the time and led to another century of pain and violence. But it is unfair to paint everyone with the same brush.

Four purrs and one paw up.

An informative look at the civil war. The author presents the side and opinions from both sides and explains the political and social reasons behind the war. A great book for the civil war enthusiast.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Every war has a narrative. There are always key players, political controversies, a catalyst that led to the kinetic phase of combat, major battles, defining moments, and a seminal event that leads to the end of the war. A History of the Civil War: The Conflict that Defined the United States by Brooks D. Simpson is a great choice for anyone trying to understand the narrative of the Civil War.
A History of the Civil War begins in 1861 when the U.S. and Confederacy began preparing for war. At this point the different states were picking sides and deciding whether to stay in the Union or align with the Confederates. Starting with the Battle of Bull Run, which revealed weaknesses in the Union military, the book begins to incorporate detailed analysis of the major battles. After some success for the Union, prominent Confederate Generals, like Robert E. Lee, began to emerge and keep the Confederate cause alive. This dashed hopes for speedy resolution to the war.
As the years went on the battles began to intensify in terms of scope and losses. President Abraham Lincoln also crystallized his vision for emancipating slaves as part of the war effort. In 1863, the tide of the war changed and the battles swung more in the Union’s favor. After the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 the Union army under the leadership of Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman dealt the final blows that would break the Confederacy.
Author Brooks Simpson takes this summary of the Civil War one step beyond the surrender of General Lee at Appomatox with an in-depth discussion over two chapters of Reconstruction under Presidents Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. These chapters shed light on disturbing views regarding the inferiority of black people and the openness with which these views were shared in distinguished bodies like the U.S. Congress and prominent newspapers and publications. Readers should be prepared to confront the ugliness of this point in American history.
As the U.S. currently struggles with Americans’ knowledge of civics and American history, books like A History of the Civil War are critical. It is an excellent overview of one of the defining epochs in U.S. history. It tells the story from a political, military, and societal level. Simpson provides a fairly neutral presentation of the facts even in the closing chapters regarding Reconstruction when a natural reaction may be to focus on his own personal feelings regarding the controversial issues he covered.
A History of the Civil War is a great resource for students, teachers, historians, and anyone seeking to understand how militaries and governments prosecute wars and rebuild. This review is based on receipt of an advanced review copy.

Today's historians tend to teach war history based on the last 2-3 decades. Most students never learn the history leading up to and through the Civil War. Fought on American soil by Americans divided by class, race and economic standards, this war would draw a clear line between the before and after. The illustartions are clearly in the "picture is worth a thousand words" standard, showing how devastating the war was to the entire infrastucture of the Southern States and the impact that still lives in these areas. Brooks D Simpson has done an excellent job of skillfully illustrating with words and pictures a war that most would have considered past and done. It should be shared with everyone who would start actions on American soil today.

There is so much information available about the American Civil War but few bring together the complete picture as clearly and accessibly as this book. From the causes of the war - beyond traditionally recognised rhetoric about States’ rights, not shying away from the fundamental moral debate around slavery and the economy - through to how the war is remembered in history, this is a comprehensive account. The challenges of reconstruction are covered in fascinating detail and perhaps provide some insights into why American society continues to appear so divided. Above all, this is a history book which is engaging, well written and so readable to anyone, not just history buffs.