This volume explores the nature of civil war in the modern world and in historical perspective. Civil wars represent the principal form of armed conflict since the end of the Second World War, and certainly in the contemporary era. The nature and impact of civil wars suggests that these conflicts reflect and are also a driving force for major societal change. In this sense, Understanding Civil Wars: Continuity and change in intrastate conflict argues that the nature of civil war is not fundamentally changing in nature. The book includes a thorough consideration of patterns and types of intrastate conflict and debates relating to the causes, impact, and ‘changing nature’ of war. A key focus is on the political and social driving forces of such conflict and its societal meanings, significance and consequences. The author also explores methodological and epistemological challenges related to studying and understanding intrastate war. A range of questions and debates are addressed. What is the current knowledge regarding the causes and nature of armed intrastate conflict? Is it possible to produce general, cross-national theories on civil war which have broad explanatory relevance? Is the concept of ‘civil wars’ empirically meaningful in an era of globalization and transnational war? Has intrastate conflict fundamentally changed in nature? Are there historical patterns in different types of intrastate conflict? What are the most interesting methodological trends and debates in the study of armed intrastate conflict? How are narratives about the causes and nature of civil wars constructed around ideas such as ethnic conflict, separatist conflict and resource conflict? This book will be of much interest to students of civil wars, intrastate conflict, security studies and international relations in general.

As the American Civil War recedes into the past, popular fascination continues to rise. Once a matter that chiefly concerned veterans, separately organized North and South, who gathered to refight old battles and to memorialize the heroes and victims of war, the Civil War has gradually become part of a collective heritage. Issues raised by the war, including its causes and consequences, reverberate through contemporary society. Family and community connections with the war exist everywhere, as do battlefields, memorials, and other physical reminders of the conflict. We, as Americans, are fascinated by the sheer magnitude of the war fought over thousands of miles of American soil and resulting in awesome casualties. It was a gigantic national drama enacted by people who seem both contemporary and remote. Here for the first time, leading Civil War scholars gather to sort out the fact and fiction of our collective memories. Contributors include Pulitzer Prize-winner Mark E. Neely, Jr., Alan T. Nolan, John Y. Simon, James I. "Bud" Robertson, Jr., Gary W. Gallagher, Joseph T. Glatthaar, and Ervin L. Jordan, Jr.

This book argues that political and economic inequalities following group lines generate grievances that in turn can motivate civil war. Lars-Erik Cederman, Kristian Skrede Gleditsch, and Halvard Buhaug offer a theoretical approach that highlights ethnonationalism and how the relationship between group identities and inequalities are fundamental for successful mobilization to resort to violence. Although previous research highlighted grievances as a key motivation for political violence, contemporary research on civil war has largely dismissed grievances as irrelevant, emphasizing instead the role of opportunities. This book shows that the alleged non-results for grievances in previous research stemmed primarily from atheoretical measures, typically based on individual data. The authors develop new indicators of political and economic exclusion at the group level, and show that these exert strong effects on the risk of civil war. They provide new analyses of the effects of transnational ethnic links and the duration of civil wars, and extended case discussions illustrating causal mechanisms.

Arguably, no event since the American Revolution has had a greater impact on US history than the Civil War. This devastating and formative conflict occupies a permanent place in the nation's psyche and continues to shape race relations, economic development, and regional politics. Naturally, an event of such significance has attracted much attention from historians, and tens of thousands of books have been published on the subject. Despite this breadth of study, new perspectives and tools are opening up fresh avenues of inquiry into this seminal era. In this timely and thoughtful book, Paul D. Escott surveys the current state of Civil War studies and explores the latest developments in research and interpretation. He focuses on specific issues where promising work is yet to be done, highlighting subjects such as the deep roots of the war, the role of African Americans, and environmental history, among others. He also identifies digital tools which have only recently become available and which allow researchers to take advantage of information in ways that were never before possible. Rethinking the Civil War Era is poised to guide young historians in much the way that James M. McPherson and William J. Cooper Jr.'s Writing the Civil War: The Quest to Understand did for a previous generation. Escott eloquently charts new ways forward for scholars, offering ideas, questions, and challenges. His work will not only illuminate emerging research but will also provide inspiration for future research in a field that continues to adapt and change.

This comprehensive new Handbook explores the significance and nature of armed intrastate conflict and civil war in the modern world. Civil wars and intrastate conflict represent the principal form of organised violence since the end of World War II, and certainly in the contemporary era. These conflicts have a huge impact and drive major political change within the societies in which they occur, as well as on an international scale. The global importance of recent intrastate and regional conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nepal, Cote d'Ivoire, Syria and Libya – amongst others – has served to refocus academic and policy interest upon civil war. Drawing together contributions from key thinkers in the field who discuss the sources, causes, duration, nature and recurrence of civil wars, as well as their political meaning and international impact, the Handbook is organised into five key parts: Part I: Understanding and Explaining Civil Wars: Theoretical and Methodological Debates Part II: The Causes of Civil Wars Part III: The Nature and Impact of Civil Wars Part IV: International Dimensions Part V: Termination and Resolution of Civil Wars Covering a wide range of topics including micro-level issues as well as broader debates, Routledge Handbook of Civil Wars will set a benchmark for future research in the field. This volume will be of much interest to students of civil wars and intrastate conflict, ethnic conflict, political violence, peace and conflict studies, security studies and IR in general.

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War, Diversion Books is publishing seminal works of the era: stories told by the men and women who led, who fought, and who lived in an America that had come apart at the seams. For those who did not die on the battlefield, but who were instead taken prisoner, the Civil War presented an even more intense version of hell. Prison conditions were abysmal, and the prisoners frequently died of starvation and disease. These accounts of prison escapes show what desperate men will do, fleeing unequivocal peril to land behind enemy lines, struggling to get back to their own side and live to fight another day. Searing and difficult, this account puts readers into the minds of men at the precipice, willing to risk death for freedom.

Introducing the Civil War Chronicles Book Bundle: From Conflict to Redemption Step into the pages of history and experience the Civil War like never before with our exclusive book bundle, Civil War Chronicles: From Conflict to Redemption. Delve into the epic saga of America's most defining and transformative era with four captivating volumes that cover every facet of this momentous period. Book 1 - Dawn of Disunion: The Roots of America's Civil War Unravel the intricate web of events that led to the eruption of America's Civil War. Book 1 takes you on a riveting journey through the early years of the nation, exploring the political, social, and economic factors that sowed the seeds of disunion. Dive into the lives of the Founding Fathers, the Missouri Compromise, and the inevitable clash between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions. Gain a profound understanding of the tensions that shaped the destiny of a nation. Book 2 - Through the Smoke and Blood: Battles of the Civil War March onto the battlefield and experience the gut-wrenching reality of the Civil War's most significant conflicts. Book 2 places you amid the smoke, chaos, and bloodshed of some of history's most consequential battles. From the First Battle of Bull Run to the turning point at Gettysburg, witness the bravery, sacrifice, and strategic maneuvers that decided the fate of a divided country. Book 3 - Shattered Bonds: The Human Cost of the Civil War In Book 3, journey beyond the battle lines to uncover the human toll of the Civil War. Explore the stories of families torn apart, soldiers enduring the horrors of war, and civilians caught in the crossfire. Learn about the struggles of women on the homefront, the psychological scars of war, and the brave contributions of African Americans in the fight for freedom. Shattered Bonds reveals the heart-wrenching and heroic stories that often go untold. Book 4 - From Reconstruction to Redemption: America's Post-Civil War Struggle As the smoke cleared and the guns fell silent, America faced the daunting task of rebuilding itself. Book 4 delves into the tumultuous period of Reconstruction, where the nation grappled with the challenges of healing wounds and rebuilding a shattered society. Witness the rise of sharecropping, the emergence of Jim Crow laws, and the heroic efforts of African Americans fighting for civil rights. Discover the untold chapters of America's struggle for redemption. Why Choose the Civil War Chronicles Book Bundle? Comprehensive Coverage: Immerse yourself in the full narrative of the Civil War, from its inception to its lasting impact on American society. Engaging and Authoritative: Written by leading historians, each book presents a rich, engaging, and well-researched account of the Civil War's defining moments. A Timeless Treasure: These volumes are not only historical accounts but also timeless pieces of literature that will captivate generations to come. Perfect for History Enthusiasts: Whether you are a seasoned history buff or just beginning to explore this fascinating period, the Civil War Chronicles bundle is an essential addition to your library. Unlock the Secrets of America's Turbulent Past The Civil War Chronicles book bundle is an invitation to explore the triumphs and tragedies, the heroes and villains, and the complex tapestry of the American Civil War. Follow the epic journey from conflict to redemption, and gain a profound appreciation for the resilience and determination of a nation striving for unity and justice. Claim Your Copy Today and Preserve the Legacy of the Civil War for Generations to Come!

"Stubbs [has] a storyteller's gift for atmosphere and drama."--Wall Street Journal

Reprint. Originally published: New York: Columbia University Press, 1960.

"Readers of this book who thought they knew a lot about the U.S. Civil War will discover that much of what they 'knew' is wrong. For readers whose previous knowledge is sketchy but whose desire to learn is strong, the separation of myth from reality is an important step toward mastering the subject. The essays will generate lively discussion and new insights." —James M. McPherson, Professor Emeritus, Princeton University