Why the Confederacy Lost

Gabor Boritt is Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies and Director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College. His most recent books are The Confederate Image and Lincoln, the War President.

• Introduction, Gabor S. Boritt1. American Victory, American Defeat, James M. McPherson2. Military Means, Political Ends: Strategy, Archer Jones3. "Upon their Success Hang Momentous Interests": Generals, Gary W. Gallagher4. The Perseverence of the Soldiers, Reid Mitchell5. Black Glory: The African-American Role in Union Victory, Joseph T. GlatthaarNotesIndex

"Eye-opening....Solid scholarship combined with nonacademic prose make this collection essential reading for serious students of the War between the States."--Publishers Weekly"If this collection of essays by historians of varied interests asks why the Confederacy lost, it may just as reasonably be thought to ask why the Union won, for the interlocking politics, public reactions, and military strategies of both sides are equally considered and present striking similarities....A promising source of argument."--The Atlantic"A stimulating, authoritative, and persuasive contribution to Civil War historiography."--Kirkus Reviews"Why the Confederacy Lost reminds us anew why the Civil War never ceases to be a rich source of developing national self-definition; yet with this compelling collection of essays we move farther away from the debilitating myth and treacle which too often has served our 'history' in the past. I commend Dr. Boritt and his colleagues for their fascinating and balanced work."--Ken Burns"These expert, sharply focused essays, examining the role of military success and failure in bringing about the defeat of the Confederacy, show how much new light fresh thinking can cast even on an old subject. This book will be indispensable for all students and teachers of the Civil War era."--David Herbert Donald, Harvard University"An excellent springboard for in-depth discussion of some of the questions of the war."--Thomas Howell, Louisiana College"An excellent collection of essays neatly complementing other texts on why the North won."--Laura Brackenridge Danahy, Florida Atlantic University