The Second Manassas Campaign - (Military Campaigns of the Civil War) by Caroline E Janney & Kathryn J Shively (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Waged from June 26 to September 1, 1862, the Second Manassas campaign pitted the US Armies of Virginia and the Potomac against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and its new commander, Robert E. Lee. The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of momentous US political decisions regarding confiscation, emancipation, and Confederate civilians. These decisions dismayed and energized Confederates, sparking the debut of Lee's offensive strategy. Weeks of strategic movements were punctuated by savage fighting that culminated in a climactic battle from August 28-30. Second Manassas destroyed the careers of US army commander John Pope and corps commander Fitz John Porter. Despite the dramatic impact of the campaign, it is often forgotten in the larger history of the Civil War, and sorely understudied. The essays in this volume provide valuable attention to matters of strategy, tactics, and logistics; the performances of key commanders on each side; the campaign's political dimensions; the connections between home front and battlefield; and the memory of the campaign's aftermath. Contributors include John Hennessy, Gary W. Gallagher, Cecily N. Zander, Peter C. Luebke, James Marten, Keith S. Bohannon, and William Marvel"--

Book Synopsis

Waged from June 26 to September 1, 1862, the Second Manassas campaign pitted the US Armies of Virginia and the Potomac against the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and its new commander, Robert E. Lee. The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of momentous US political decisions regarding confiscation, emancipation, and Confederate civilians. These decisions dismayed and energized Confederates, sparking the debut of Lee's offensive strategy. Weeks of strategic movements were punctuated by savage fighting that culminated in a climactic battle on August 28-30. Second Manassas destroyed the careers of US army commander John Pope and corps commander Fitz John Porter. Despite the dramatic impact of the campaign, it is often forgotten in the larger history of the Civil War, and sorely understudied. The essays in this volume provide valuable attention to strategy, tactics, and logistics; the performances of key commanders on each side; the campaign's political dimensions; the connections between home front and battlefield; and the memory of the campaign's aftermath.

Contributors include Keith S. Bohannon, Gary W. Gallagher, John J. Hennessy, Peter C. Luebke, James Marten, William Marvel, and Cecily Zander.

Review Quotes

""A welcome new volume that offers a detailed exploration of a crucial moment in American history."--Library Journal, STARRED review

About the Author

Caroline E. Janney is John L. Nau III Professor of History of the American Civil War at the University of Virginia.

Kathryn J. Shively is associate professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University.