Why do you think the American Civil War is still so popular to this days?

Question

It's been 140 years since the event and almost 60 years since the death of the last veteran yet this conflict is still alive to some, popular in the press, and the source of much debate even now.Why we are still hung up on this?What do you thik?

Answer 1

Its fairly easy to trace a civil war ancestor. To involve oneself In a reenactment  is  to perform bit of time travel.Look at a Friday night at dusk or shortly thereafter, you've worked all week, and run home to put on a uniform that represented soldiers from the civil war. Your driving up a dirt road , no street lights, only the  flickering light in the distance. Suddenly there are soldiers with rifles in hand stopping you to ask your business, you give your unit name, are are directed to a parking lot. In the field before you are tents,laid out along company streets, and fires pits at intervals,along with troops, setting up their tents, and placing lanterns in front to light the way.You lug your tent and gear from the vehicle which you wont see again until Sunday afternoon. From this time forward you living in the moment,the men and women are dressed in period clothing, no cans , or bottles from your century are in evidence, there are officers and noncoms to answer your questions,you set up and meet your neighbors, and try to relax a bit, suddenly a volley of musket fire is heard!

An attack is taking place on your camp, your called to arms, and rush to meet the enemy,only to find them slipping away into the woods and darkness that surrounds you.This starts your experience with the war this weekend, they'll be more to come over the next two days. Stay alert, the enemy is near.

Answer 2

So many american died and it helped end slavery. It changed the world pretty much.

Answer 3

It's because racism is still an issue today, and we took a great step forward in the civil war, but it's still not over.

Answer 4

I don't think we're "hung up on it" but see it as a unique time in history, most countries who go through civil war don't become one again after the war.  Anyone with any interest in American history can see that the Civil War had a big impact on the history of the country and therefore would be a source of great interest.

Answer 5

Maybe because it's a war that killed more Americans than all other wars combined.  And for what?  There's a lot to learn from a conflict like that.

Maybe because the South still has a legacy that won't stay buried.  Many still claim to be fighting the war, in less overt ways.  "We never lost", etc. are slogans you hear in the South.

Maybe because the roots of the war--inequality/racism--still affect society today.

Answer 6

It is the Iliad of the United States. It's the great pivot on which American history turns.

Answer 7

Because it was the single most profound period in our history as a nation.  Your date's a little off, too: Earlier this month saw the 145th re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg.  There were thousands of us there on the third day to reprise Pickett's Charge.  What a grand and glorious thing that was!  Huzza!  Huzza!  Huzza!

Answer 8

For years America used to get along, so when the Civil War broke out, it became the first war that was fought by only America. There is still racism today and that is what the majority of the war was about.

Answer 9

Reasons given for participating in such activities vary. Some participants are interested in getting a historical perspective on the turbulent times that gripped the nation, particularly if they can trace their ancestry back to those who fought in the war. Others participate merely for the escapism that such events offer. Some commentators have suggested that Southerners are drawn to these activities for political reasons, because they represent a rejection of the North. Often, however, this is a false stereotype. In fact, some are Northerners that may have been "sympathetic" to the Southerners, who often are out-numbered in events in the North. In some cases, if there are not enough Union soldiers present, Confederate soldiers are asked to change sides, or become galvanized yankees, for the day/event.

Answer 10

Maybe because if we aren't careful it could happen again? Why should any war be forgotten? We all know war is bad, which is why we try and forget about them, which is a pretty good reason as to why we shouldn't have them. Do you agree?