The Motives for Which They Fought

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The Motives for Which They Fought The reasons given for why Civil War soldiers fought are abundant, but among the vast array of motives, only a few could be taken into careful consideration. Some argue that the main interest for both the North and South was political in nature, reasoning that if the government fell, so would the future and characteristics of both nations. Consequently, some of the various diaries and personal accounts affirm that soldiers felt an overwhelming sense of duty, which extended first to their closest relatives and friends, this being the principal driving force motivating them to enlist. However, what surely remains is thousands on both sides gave up their lives for what they considered a necessary cause. In the end, the need to defend “family and home” would repeatedly lead them into battle against overwhelming odds. The two authors, McPherson and Sheehan-Dean, illustrate many of the political reasons that invoked men on both sides to enlist. Both authors point out that all the men in the beginning who joined both sides were volunteers. Voluntary enlistment could be significant, when considering that they fought out of their own free will. The linkage of God, family, and homeland drove many to willingly fight for their children and the future of all generations. It is worth pointing out how the closeness of home, and a strong family structure was the background of most soldiers. The remote life of farming, and close-knit communities, later connected these soldiers together into their own family unit, or “brotherhood.” One of the other key factors motivating men to enlist was the underlying social pressure from society. It also reflected the need to fulfill a duty and responsibility in serv... ... middle of paper ... ...as a Biblical principle. These ecclesiastical elements also played a pivotal role in Southern family life and tradition. Importance of religion can offer one an understanding of why the family and community were so vital to morale, and the sustaining issues that drove both sides to withstand more and more bloodshed. One could look at the consequences and outcomes of the Civil War, and relate how this outcome played into history. What justifies their actions are still debated today, but many agree that most soldiers whether right or wrong, felt a sense of “duty,” to God, family, and country. In conclusion, most Civil War soldiers seemed to had a real understanding of their sacrifice, and the impact it would bring for the future of their families, this being the future of all generations hence forth. This understanding to them was a “just” cause.

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