Marshall Argues That Nineteenth-Century Americans ✓ Solved

Marshall implicitly argues that nineteenth century Americans did

Read the TWO articles then write a post response to this prompt: Marshall implicitly argues that nineteenth century Americans did not perceive the military death toll of the U.S. Civil War as a catastrophe. On what grounds does he make this assertion? Are you convinced of his argument? Why or why not? (Alternatively, you may create your own prompt related to the readings and respond to it. If you choose this option, provide your prompt at the top.) Add one question about something that confused you in the readings, or one they left unanswered that you're curious about, or one you'd like to hear others' opinions on.

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In his analysis of the perception of military death tolls during the U.S. Civil War, Marshall argues that this profound loss of life was not viewed by contemporary Americans as a catastrophe but rather as a requisite sacrifice for the preservation of their nation. Marshall supports this assertion through several key grounds, including the prevailing cultural and social attitudes of the time, the understanding of warfare, and the rhetoric that permeated Civil War discourse.

Firstly, Marshall highlights the cultural context of the 19th century, where death in battle was often romanticized and even glorified. War was perceived as an honorable duty, a necessary endeavor in service of patriotism and national unity (McPherson, 1988). Public sentiment during the Civil War was significantly shaped by this cultural understanding. The notion of "valor in death" became central to how soldiers and their sacrifices were commemorated. This ideation meant that rather than seeing the staggering death toll as a wholesale tragedy, Americans often celebrated those who died rather than mourned them profoundly.

Moreover, Marshall points to the rhetoric used by political and military leaders during the Civil War. Speeches, letters, and publications from this period often emphasized the nobility of sacrifice for the greater good. Leaders such as President Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, framed the loss of soldiers as a necessary investment in a nation "conceived in Liberty" (Lincoln, 1863). This rhetoric not only helped to motivate troops and citizens alike but also served to reframe the death toll as part of a larger narrative of national rebirth and purpose.

Additionally, the disconnection of the populace from the front lines, facilitated by technology and geography, contributed to a diminished perception of the losses. While the casualties were indeed immense, they were often abstracted from the daily lives of citizens, which made it psychologically easier to rationalize and accept (Duffy, 2005). Consequently, the overwhelming numbers did not translate into an immediate emotional catastrophe for many Americans.

However, while I find Marshall's arguments compelling, I hesitate to fully embrace his conclusion. There were certainly segments of the population that experienced profound grief and trauma, particularly among families who lost loved ones (Foner, 1990). The persistence of death notices, mourning attire, and memorial societies indicates that many people could and did perceive a deep sense of loss and catastrophe, albeit in the shadows of the dominant narratives. This divergence suggests a more complex societal response that acknowledges both glorification of sacrifice and genuine mourning for the lost lives. Therefore, my position is that while Marshall's observations provide significant insights into societal perspectives of that era, they must be balanced with an understanding of the varieties of experience and response to death that existed during the Civil War.

To facilitate a deeper discussion, one question that lingers for me regards the role of the media in shaping public perception of the Civil War death toll. How did the portrayal of losses in newspapers and magazines affect the public's emotional response to the war? Were there any noted shifts in this portrayal as the war progressed, and if so, how did this influence the collective memory of the conflict in post-war America?

References

• Duffy, C. (2005). The Civil War: A Narrative. New York: Random House.
• Foner, E. (1990). Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877. New York: Harper & Row.
• Lincoln, A. (1863). The Gettysburg Address. Retrieved from abrahamlincolnonline.org
• McPherson, J. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. New York: Oxford University Press.