The Long Fuse

The War did not begin overnight but came at the end of a seventy-year struggle of competing theories on the Constitutional nature of the Republic, and the practical political compromises that maintained peace and a semblance of unity.

Slavery from Abraham to Abraham Lincoln

The “peculiar institution” is the only acceptable topic “academic” historians of today and popular culture influencers talk about regarding the South and the War and its relevance today. The only aspects off the table in the conversation are the Biblical view of slavery and the reality and facts of its origins and practice in Africa, and its diversity and controversial existence in every region of antebellum America. They’re back on the table.

Shifting Perspectives in the Historiography of Causality

It is often said that every generation interprets history based on their own contemporary values and prejudices. There are 160 years of differing theories of the “causes” of secession and war; the majority report of historians today have seemingly boiled it all down to one thing, slavery, and are deaf to countervailing evidence and even discussion. A survey of all the issues and evidence is in order. 

The Constitutions Compared

The Confederate Government leaders were steeped in American Constitutional history and interpretation. They perceived certain weaknesses and practical solutions. The brilliant Alexander Stephens and colleagues created a new Confederacy of States—we will examine the differences. 

Biographical Sketches of the Leaders: Lincoln vs. Davis, Grant vs. Lee

This is a topic often examined by historians of the War. Myths, polemics, and sycophancy have characterized much of the examinations of the character and abilities of these men. We shall try to sort them out and clear away the cobwebs.

A Narrative History of the War

Just like it sounds—four years of strategies, campaigns, and amazing providences in one hour. Context forms the bedrock of all that follows. Special Maps will accompany this lesson. The Geography and Cartography of the war zones help us understand the scope and  detail of the War.

No Man Will Attack You . . .for I have many people in this city” The Expansion of Christ’s Kingdom in the Midst of War.”

God was providentially active in saving many men in the war through the evangelistic activities of chaplains, missionaries, Christian officers and men, colporteurs, and associations. The story is as remarkable and important as the “Great Awakening” and even more ignored by the general run of historical writers. Our staff is uniquely qualified and knowledgeable to teach about the Great Revival.

Music and the War

From “The Battle Cry of Freedom” to “I’m a Good Old Rebel” Music was a vital aspect of the War for the men, the home-front, and history since that time. It offers insight into the culture, religious beliefs, propaganda, and patriotism of the men of the times and the memory of the war since then. 

The Home Front

The War’s terrible effects on the families, especially in the South, surpasses in type and scale the difficulties and perseverance of civilians from any other time in American history. Women’s memoirs, diaries, and letters tell unforgettable stories of hardship, grief, depression and heroism that reveal the real cost of war and the amazing resilience of the  wives, children and grandparents of the fighting men.

Notable Providences that Accompanied the Conflict

The more you study the War, the more you will see of the hand of God in the outcomes of battles, decision-making and personal experiences. About 2.75 million men served in the War for Southern Independence and about 750,000 died during the conflict, and many more in later years because of war-wounds and physical. Divine Providence was active in every single case of service and casulty.  

Confederate Collapse: How Did the North Win the War, How Did the South Lose?

Analysis, recrimination, speculation and theorizing began before the War ended and has continued unabated ever since. Once again, the issues of leadership, moralizing, propaganda, and wishful thinking mixed with the emerging documentation and rhetoric in the post-war world. Schools of interpretation wrestled over the factors of victory and defeat, including whose side was God on? 

Life of the Common Soldier

Why did the average soldier go to war and fight to the death? What was life like in camp and battle for the men at the sharp end? In 1952 historian Bell I. Wiley opened the discussion of who Billy Yank and Johnny Reb were, and many historians have taken up the challenge ever since then to document and enlighten this broad spectrum of Civil War history.

Reconstruction: Dunning versus Foner

For about a century the majority of historians held similar views regarding the post-war Reconstruction, with few notable exceptions. Professor Eric Foner of Columbia University since 1983 reassessed the traditional views of Reconstruction and published in 1988 what is now considered the standard work on the subject. His progressive political views and emphasis on “social justice,” “equality,” and “expanding our democracy,” undergird his interpretation of the post-war period of reconstruction and are the standard by which contemporary historians view that period. We will deconstruct the reconstruction theories.

The Cost of War and Transformation of the American Economy in the Aftermath

 

The War Against the Past Engulfs the Memory of the War for Southern Independence

Whether it’s toppling statues, decolonizing curriculum, or erasing or redefining terms from our vocabulary, a cultural crusade is underway to render the past toxic. We are involved in that war whether we like it or not. It is incumbent upon us to understand what ideas are behind the crusade and to develop strategies to stand our ground and to fight back. Historical apologetics and the search for truth are incumbent for every Christian.