"Shiloh- In Hell before Night"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how James L. McDonough's main argument in his book "Shiloh- In Hell before Night" is that the Civil War was not just a series of battles, wins and losses, but rather was a struggle for opposing people to try to direct a way of life for everyone to follow. It looks at how he does this by using actual quotes from the main individuals involved in the battle of Shiloh which show how they felt and what lengths they would go to in order to put forth those beliefs.

Outline:
Introduction
McDonough's Purpose in Writing the Book
The Main Argument of the Work
Was the Goal of the Book Accomplished?
Strengths/Weaknesses of the Book
Is McDonough's Book a Valuable Contribution to the Study of the American Civil War?

From the Paper:

"Generally speaking, the goal of the book was accomplished in that McDonough was able to make the point that even in defeat, there is honor to a certain extent, and also that the cause of the Confederate States of America was as much a commitment to the preservation of a way of life that had existed for generations and hundreds of years as much as it was a fight to break away from a government that was seen as oppressive and dictatorial. McDonough, in his vivid characterizations and flowing style, makes the point that even when a decisive victory is not gained, even the act of fighting for one's beliefs is in itself a form of victory. By doing this, McDonough shows that the Civil War was a far more complex event in American history than simply two sides fighting to win battles. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• McDonough, James Lee. 1977. Shiloh: In Hell before Night. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press.

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