When I was doing my Master’s Degree, I recall taking a course on the Civil War. The professor, much like myself, was not especially interested in military tactics. However, as she was still seeking tenure at the beginning of the term (she was granted tenure a few weeks in) she provided a good bit of information for the seething fans of military battles. (Incidentally, it is my view that a professor, like any other provider of a commodity, ought to listen to their consumers, at least from time to time.)
I also recall watching CSI (the original one, not CSI: Miami, CSI; New York, or even CSI: Boise). During this particular episode, Gil Grissom and the gang investigate the murder of a Civil War reenactor during a Gettysburg reenactment. Anyways, there is a scene in which Grissom and the young lab kid with the big hair are in the home of the victim. In the home is a model set up, complete with miniature soldiers, cannons, buildings, and even a horse, of a Civil War Battle. Looking at the details, I turned to my wife and said, “Pickett’s charge.” Less than thirty seconds later, the young lab kid with the big hair asks Grissom “what is this?” Grissom’s answer?
“Pickett’s charge.”
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As I have stated before, I’m not much for military history, in terms of knowledge or in terms of interest. I know enough to get by, which is to say, I can name the major battles of the Civil War, the generals involved, and can quote the prevailing view of how the battle turned out, and why.
Beyond this, I’ll leave it to the experts.
Because many of you are more interested in the Civil War battles than I, I offer a wonderfully written and illustrated site which should hold your interest, at least until next time:
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war-battles.htm
And next time: Why the South Lost.
