Title: Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam: The Battle that Changed the Course of the Civil War by James M. McPherson
Headings: Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam: The Battle that Changed the Course of the Civil War
Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam: The Battle that Changed the Course of the Civil War
(Pivotal Moments in American History )
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Content: It gave the Union the courage, will and political force to fight on. Second, Professor McPherson emphasizes the role of the European powers -- England and France -- in the Civil War. These nations followed events in America closely and were economically at risk from the loss of Southern cotton for their textile mills. They likely would have recognized the Confederacy if the results of the first invasion of the North had favored the Confederacy. Third, and probably most importantly to his theme, Professor McPherson discusses the role of Antietam in the changing character of the Civil War. President Lincoln was opposed to slavery, but his initial war aims did not include freeing the slaves. Rather he wished to hold the Union together. As the War continued, Lincoln became convinced of the necessity of issuing an Emancipation Proclamation but believed that he needed a military success to give the Proclamation force and credibility. The victory at Antietam, narrow as it was, and tremendous as was its human cost, gave him that opportunity. Emancipation was indeed a new birth of freedom.