Why Fight?

Children's Literature - Children's Literature

Why Fight is the first book in a four volume historical series entitled, "The House Divided: The Civil War." Stretching from 1861-65 the Civil War claimed more lives than all of America's other wars combined. A viscious struggle, the war was brought about by a variety of social and political factors. Differences in culture, economics, and attitudes between Northern and Southern people resulted in discord over a period of decades prior to the outbreak of armed conflict. At the root of these differences stood the "Peculiar Institution" of slavery. While the vast majority of Southerners did not own slaves, the economy of the South was inherently based upon slave labor. While most Northerners were not abolitionists there was a widespread distaste for human bondage. Thus, during the first half of the nineteenth century a series of crisis and compromises occurred within the Federal government primarily revolving around the spread of slavery. Ultimately, in 1861 this effort to avoid civil war via compromise ended. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 so angered Southern leadership that secession occurred. Shortly thereafter, South Carolinians fired upon Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor and war commenced. Both sides entered the war naively, smug in knowledge that it would be a short, relatively bloodless, and glorious affair--630,000 deaths later these seekers of glory were disabused of their fantasies. It is this tale of a nation slipping toward tragedy that is told in this highly readable text. The authors not only tell the facts, they also include the humanistic elements of the story. The widespread use of diary entries, quotations from letters, and newspaper reprints allow the reader togain a real feeling for the time period. 2000, Raintree Steck-Vaughn, Ages 10 up, $28.55. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-Bloodiest Days recounts the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, Shiloh, the Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. Why Fight? begins with the Founding Fathers' agreement to disagree about slavery; subsequent chapters cover the Mexican War, Dred Scott, John Brown, Lincoln's election in 1860, and secession. Thorough and accurate writing and excellent organization characterize both books. Other outstanding attributes are the use of historical photographs and reproductions, contemporary graphics, maps, and engaging sidebars of historical trivia, as well as an exceptional use of color and page layout. Absorbing reading, these books will be a welcome addition to Civil War collections.-Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.