The Black Experience in the Civil War South by Stephen V

.docx

School

Catholic University of Eastern Africa *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

238

Subject

History

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

4

Uploaded by CorporalSeaUrchin2870

Report
The Black Experience in the Civil War South by Stephen V. Ash 1. Identify the main idea or theme of the book. The book's key objective is to provide a thorough description of black Americans' experiences living during the Civil War in the South. In addition, it examines how African Americans handled the challenges of the war. Black people utilized their creativity and resourcefulness to survive and even prosper during this turbulent period in spite of the numerous challenges they encountered, such as bias, brutality, and economic exploitation. 2. Identify the author’s premise for writing the book The book's main premise is a challenge to the conventional Civil War narrative, which predominantly emphasizes the experiences of white troops and civilians. Ash contends that by ignoring black people's perspectives, people are missing a significant aspect of the Civil War and its aftermath. Despite the limitations imposed on them by the social, political, and economic systems of the period, he aims to shed light on the manner in which African Americans actively shaped their own futures. 3. Summarize the main points of the book. Use quotes or paraphrases from the book to prove your point An important element in the text is the question of black allegiance during the Civil War. Ash underlines how difficult it was for black individuals to balance competing allegiances and uncertain futures. The author admits that although some black individuals sided with the Union, others stuck with their owners or the Confederacy. Ash claimed that a range of elements, including as interpersonal connections, informational accessibility, and aspirations for the future, affected black allegiance. According to him, some black people stayed devoted to their masters
because they thought it was their greatest chance of surviving. 1 Others made the decision to support the Union cause because they regarded it as a means of obtaining their freedom and equal rights. Ash also emphasizes the difficulties that black persons who wanted to assist the Union cause had to confront. Both Union troops and townspeople often regarded them with distrust and even questioned their allegiance. Black Union supporters were sometimes subjected to violence and intimidation by Confederate soldiers. In addition, the book delves into the struggle for civil rights in the aftermath of the Civil War. Despite significant gains in rights and liberties, black people continued to face widespread violence and inequality. According to Ash, the promise of citizenship and freedom for black Southerners did not materialize in full after the Civil War. Even after slavery was abolished black people continued to confront substantial obstacles to equal rights and opportunities. 2 Ash claims that decades after the Racial War, the fight for civil rights persisted. He draws attention to the ongoing racism and brutality that black people had to deal with, and the systematic deprivation of voting rights for black people. These efforts were met with both success and setbacks, and the struggle for civil rights remains ongoing to this day. In The Black Experience in the Civil War South , Ash examines the role of black soldiers in the Civil War. Black troops were routinely given menial chores and discriminated against, although they were essential to the Union's success. Their recruitment, according to Ash, was a turning point in the war by providing the Union with a fresh supply of manpower and proving that black men could fight and die for their country. Ash explains how they were first employed as workers and support personnel but quickly proved to be effective combatants. They had the same risks and challenges as their white colleagues, but often got lower pay, supplies, and 1 Stephen V Ash, The Black Experience in the Civil War South (Santa Barbara, California: Praeger, 2010). 2 Ibid
equipment. 3 Despite these difficulties, black troops persisted and significantly contributed to the change in the war's course. Ash also emphasizes the importance of black troops in the greater civil rights movement. Black males had the chance to show their bravery and patriotism during the war, which countered racial stereotypes that black people were inferior and unsuited for military duty. Black troops made a compelling case for their own equality and citizenship, according to Ash. Black troops' valor and sacrifice laid the foundation for later civil rights efforts and opened the road for the ultimate abolition of discrimination and segregation. 4. Evaluation: Did you like or dislike the book and why? What did you learn from the book? Do you feel the main points were supported? I found the book to be a well-researched and engaging book that provided a much-needed perspective on the experiences of African Americans during the Civil War. Ash's writing is easy to read and understand, and he backs up his arguments with a ton of data. Focusing on the agency and resiliency of black people in the face of enormous obstacles is one of the book's highlights. Ash demonstrates how black people were active participants in the fight for their own independence and rights rather than passive victims of slavery and conflict. He also emphasizes how black people dealt with the pain of slavery and war by turning to their own cultural practices and traditions. 4 3 Ibid 4 Ibid
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
Bibliography Ash, Stephen V. The Black Experience in the Civil War South . Santa Barbara, California: Praeger, 2010.