Mr Lincoln's Army Chapter Summary
Book Report Mr. Lincoln’s Army
When it comes to recording the history of our wonderful country, books are very important. The book Mr. Lincoln’s Army by Bruce Catton can be described as one of those history books that carefully spell out the ins and outs of that period of time.
In this book review, I will address two main focal points. First I will attempt to summarize Mr. Catton’s book and second I will discuss what I think the thesis of Mr. Lincoln’s Army is.
Mr. Lincoln’s Army is in its most basic form, about the American Civil War during the early existence of the United States. This book covers the (northern) Union Army's early years and formation, the ascension and command of a young and dashing General George B. McClellan, the Peninsula …show more content…
It is this event that the author winds down his book. We learn that while McClellan and the Army of the Potomac were moving to intercept Lee and the Confederates, two Union soldiers from Indiana found a copy of Lee’s battle plans (Special Orders 191) wrapped around three cigars. These plans detailed troop movement and strength. The author, Catton, illustrates how the General could have destroyed the Confederate troops but waited too long and squandered the opportunity.
These delays lead to a tactical stalemate rather than a decisive victory. Lee and his troops were able to retreat and live to fight another day, giving the Union a partial “victory”. Lincoln felt this was a good enough situation and gave the Emancipation Proclamation linking to the end of the Civil War with the end of slavery. This (limited) victory and Lincoln’s actions blunted France and England from officially recognizing the Confederacy as a nation unto itself because recognition of the South now equaled support for slavery.
There is so much more in the book than this simple summary can reveal. After reading the book, I think the author’s thesis is spelled out nicely when looking at the chapter
When it comes to recording the history of our wonderful country, books are very important. The book Mr. Lincoln’s Army by Bruce Catton can be described as one of those history books that carefully spell out the ins and outs of that period of time.
In this book review, I will address two main focal points. First I will attempt to summarize Mr. Catton’s book and second I will discuss what I think the thesis of Mr. Lincoln’s Army is.
Mr. Lincoln’s Army is in its most basic form, about the American Civil War during the early existence of the United States. This book covers the (northern) Union Army's early years and formation, the ascension and command of a young and dashing General George B. McClellan, the Peninsula …show more content…
It is this event that the author winds down his book. We learn that while McClellan and the Army of the Potomac were moving to intercept Lee and the Confederates, two Union soldiers from Indiana found a copy of Lee’s battle plans (Special Orders 191) wrapped around three cigars. These plans detailed troop movement and strength. The author, Catton, illustrates how the General could have destroyed the Confederate troops but waited too long and squandered the opportunity.
These delays lead to a tactical stalemate rather than a decisive victory. Lee and his troops were able to retreat and live to fight another day, giving the Union a partial “victory”. Lincoln felt this was a good enough situation and gave the Emancipation Proclamation linking to the end of the Civil War with the end of slavery. This (limited) victory and Lincoln’s actions blunted France and England from officially recognizing the Confederacy as a nation unto itself because recognition of the South now equaled support for slavery.
There is so much more in the book than this simple summary can reveal. After reading the book, I think the author’s thesis is spelled out nicely when looking at the chapter