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.