logo

39 pages 1 hour read

For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1997

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
James M. Mcpherson

For Cause and Comrades

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1860s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

For Cause and Comrades by James M. McPherson explores the motivations of soldiers who fought in the American Civil War through their personal letters and diaries, revealing that men were driven by a sense of duty to man, God, and country, as well as the desire for respect and fear of dishonor. Northern soldiers primarily aimed to preserve the Union and later to end slavery, while Southern soldiers fought to uphold their way of life and the institution of slavery. Both sides believed in their respective causes and sought strength in religion and support from home, continuing to fight for vengeance, camaraderie, and differing views of liberty and freedom.

Informative

Inspirational

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,003 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

James M. McPherson's For Cause and Comrades is widely acclaimed for its rigorous scholarship and nuanced portrayal of Civil War soldiers' motivations. Praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative, some critics mention a repetitive analysis. Overall, it remains a significant contribution to Civil War historiography.

Who should read this

Who Should Read For Cause and Comrades?

A reader interested in For Cause and Comrades by James M. McPherson enjoys deep dives into Civil War history and personal soldier experiences. Comparable to Drew Gilpin Faust's This Republic of Suffering and Ken Burns' Civil War documentaries, this book appeals to enthusiasts of military history and human motivations in warfare.

4.3

3,003 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1860s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.