For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War

Name some of the reasons soldiers quit fighting. 

According to McPherson, how do the North and South differ geographically, economically, and culturally? 

Pick a favorite quote from a letter McPherson uses. What made this quote stick out to you?

Make an argument for the number one cause that kept Civil War soldiers fighting. 

Does McPherson represent all soldiers equally according to race, religion, age, and social class? Give examples where he does or does not. 

Although slavery is mentioned often, McPherson does not focus on it, except how it affected soldiers on both sides. Why does he not cover in a more in-depth fashion the role of slavery in a war caused specifically by slavery?

How do the ideas of bravery and cowardice affect soldiers? 

Define masculinity as a Civil War soldier sees it. Does it differ from how we view it today?