Comparing The North And The South In Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels

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The American Civil War between the North and the South was one of the most significant wars in American History, and the most destructive war ever fought on American soil. The war began in 1861 and ended in 1865. On July 1, 1863, the Confederate army and the Union army fought in the largest battle of the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg. Throughout Michael's Shaara's novel, "The Killer Angels," the North and south had many differing attitudes toward the war, such as the overall cause, opposing amongst each individual throughout the book. The North and the South both demonstrate their motives for taking part in the war, while their attitudes towards each other and their beliefs of the events that will occur after the war differ …show more content…

Furthermore, the first attitude that the Union reveals is their overall reason for being there. On page 30, Chamberlain explains, “This is a different kind of army. If you look at history you’ll see men fight for pay, or women, or some other kind of loot…But we’re here for something different. I don’t…this hasn't happened much in the history of the world. We’re an army going out to set other men free.” This statement occurs when Chamberlain is describing to the 100 felons why they should choose to assist in fighting the war. He explains that for the greater majority of the troops in this army, they are fighting for this one very universally important cause. In the same way, the Army of the Potomac also proves that the country will most likely never be a conjoined union. On page 179, Kilrain describes, “What will happen, do you think, if we lose? Do you think the country will ever get back together again? … Doubt it. Wound it too deep.” This suggests that Kilrain believes that the likelihood that the USA will stay together is slim to none. Although these views may not completely hold true, the original passion within these men to speak their minds speaks volumes about their beliefs during this intense battle in

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