American Civil War: Facts and Fictions

This book debunks popular myths and misconceptions about the American Civil War through primary source documents and shows how misinformation can become so widespread.

The American Civil War deeply divided the nation and was a pivotal point in American history. The acrimony and bitterness of this four-year struggle, coupled with its importance to the fabric of American life, has resulted in the development and perpetuation of many myths about the conflict.

This work separates myth from reality. The author examines 10 popular myths about the war, each of which is examined in terms of its origins and how it became ensconced in the American memory. It uses primary sources to explain the evolution of the myths and to inform the reader about what really happened, providing a unique quality to this work. Moreover, the book not only explains the flaws in the myth but encourages the reader to further investigate each of the topics.

• Provides readers with a clear understanding of how myths about the Civil War originated and propagated in American memory

• Debunks popular myths with facts supported by primary sources

• Provides students with the resources to conduct their own research into each topic area

• Examines controversial myths that continue to have a large impact on American politics and society today, including popular misconceptions about the very origins of the Civil War