What Is the Most Important Question...?

[Private Watkins]

What is the most important question we should ask ourselves today about the American Civil War...? And why?

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

What is the most important question we should ask ourselves today about the American Civil War...?

What can we do, as students of history, to objectively understand historical events and people within the context of their society, times and values, without passing judgement based on 21st century views and opinions?

 

[JeffBrooks]

Could the issues of the war have been settled without bloodshed?

 

[leftyhunter]

What can we do, as students of history, to objectively understand historical events and people within the context of their society, times and values, without passing judgement based on 21st century views and opinions?

On the other hand their was widespread opposition to slavery prior to the Civil War and has Cash pointed out on another thread many states already outlawed slavery. Not saying even a majority of the US population was pro abolition their where no public opinion polls until 1944. On the other hand a majority of the US voters voted for Lincoln who vowed to stop the spread of slavery but not outlaw it. Point being many Americans by 1861 where anti-slavery and thought of it as a moral wrong.
Leftyhunter

 

[leftyhunter]

What is the most important question we should ask ourselves today about the American Civil War...? And why?

My first answer would involve modern politics. Perhaps the question should be how if possible a armed conflict could of been stooped? I suspect their is not a simple or satisfactory answer to that.
Leftyhunter

 

[major bill]

I will probably get booed. History may be fun to study and is interesting, but the real question should be how did the Civil War change the nation we live in?

 

[matthew mckeon]

What is the most important question we should ask ourselves today about the American Civil War...? And why?

What does it mean to be an American?

 

[ole]

I will probably gee booed. History may be fun to study and is interesting, but the real question should be how did the Civil War change the nation we live in?

Change? Add to? Form?

Let's face it, we wouldn't be who we are without that "disturbance" in our history.

 

[Al Murray]

My first answer would involve modern politics.

the real question should be how did the Civil War change the nation we live in?

Lefty and Maj Bill said it for me.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

"How can I learn more about it?"

Why? With apologies to Sir Edmund Hillary, 'because it's there.' (The need for the study of history should be self-evident, IMHO.)

 

[OpnCoronet]

What was/is the nature and purpose of the Union?

 

[Boopsie]

The Civil War was either way ahead of its time, or hasn't yet been fully comprehended by today's average citizen. Just saying........
Still, I'm a fervent believer that those soldiers, or any veteran, has not died in vain.