Semester of Graduation
Summer 2025
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The Confederate cause has captivated historians for many decades. At first glance, the Confederacy embodies a persistent effort to promote white supremacy, the planter class, and independence. While this assessment is accurate, individual Confederate soldiers possess diverse narratives that both challenge and support the labels assigned over the years. The political dimension of the Civil War opens new avenues for scholarly exploration concerning Confederate soldiers. But what insights might this offer regarding the nature of the Confederacy, civilian political engagement, and democracy? The answer to this question is complex and nonlinear. Previous research has acknowledged the numerous reasons why Confederate soldiers enlisted, the factors behind their cause's failure, and why many endured four years of conflict. However, limited attention has been paid to how and whether Confederate soldiers engaged with political affairs. Although studies have examined the political involvement of Union soldiers, this raises the question: What perspectives did Confederates hold regarding their national politics? How did they perceive democracy within the Confederacy? This analysis indicates that Confederate soldiers expressed their ideological views of democracy in practice, reflecting a form of lower “d” democratic participation. While scholars have expanded their understanding of hierarchy and democracy within the Antebellum South, little focus has been directed toward Confederate soldiers’ perceptions of democracy and their engagement with everyday political issues. Confederates responded to military service through various means, developing complex political ideologies along the way. Their engagement with politics reveals their understanding of democracy's role in the South. Consequently, many soldiers cultivated heightened political consciousness and gained a deeper understanding of the war. Their political interactions suggest that many Confederates believed their democratic voices were meaningful within the broader political landscape of the South.
Date
7-15-2025
Recommended Citation
Norello, Michelle N., "With Vim and Courage: Confederate Soldiers and the Politics of War" (2025). LSU Master's Theses. 6194.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6194
Committee Chair
Dr. Aaron Sheehan-Dean