Plot Summary Of Stonewall Jackson Essay, Research Paper

Plot Summary Stonewall Jackson is one of the most famous of the American Civil War. General Stonewall Jackson served with distinction under Winfield Scott in the Mexican War and from 1851 to 1861 taught at the Virginia Military Institute. He was one of the greatest Confederate generals in the Civil War. He served under the great General Robert E. Lee during the first Battle of the Bull Run. This is where Thomas Jonathan Jackson, his real name, and his brigade earned their sobriquet by standing “like a stone wall” , when Jackson faced overwhelming odds, outnumbered and outgunned by the Union army. The sobriquet name was given by General Barnard Bee. Since then society referred Jackson as Stonewall. During the valley campaign Jackson was promoted to major general, and in November, Johnston assigned him to command in the Shenandoh valley. Jackson’s attack on James Shield’s division at Kernstown on March 23, 1862, was repulsed but forced the retention of Union troops in the valley. In April, Robert E. Lee suggested that Jackson fall upon Nathaniel P. Bank’s force in the lower valley, hoping that Irvin McDowell’s army would thereby be diverted from joining George McClellan before Rochmond. Jackson’s reowned Valley campaign resulted. He first defeated part of John C. Fr ment’s force at McDowell on May 8, 1862, and then. Returning to the Shenadoah, routed Banks at Front Royal and Winchester and drove him across the Potomac. The Federal administration, fearing that Jackson would now advance on Washington, sent Shields from McDowell’s army to join Fr mont, advancing from the west, in cutting of Jackson. Stonewall, however retreated rapidly to the head of the valley and on June 8-9 defeated his pursuers at Cross Keys and Port Republic. With the diversion in the Shenandoah Valley a complete success, Jackson joined Lee in the Seven days battles. After the brilliance of the Shenandoah campaign, his service in that week of fighting was disappointing. But he soon redeemed himself. The speedy turning movement executed by his “foot cavalry” against Pope late in Aug., 1862, at the battles of Cedar Mt. Set the stage for the crushing victory at the second battle of Bull Run, and in the Antietam campaign he marched promptly to Lee’s aid after he had captured the Harpers Ferry garrison. When Lee reorganized the army of Northern Virgina after Antietam, he made Jackson commander on the 2d Corps, and Stonewall was promoted to lieutenant general. He ably commanded the Confederate right in the batlle of Fredericksburg in December. In the battle of Chancellorsville, Lee and Jackson repeated the tactics of second Bull Run. Jackson’s turning movement completely crumbled Hooker’s right. Pressing on in the darkness, Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by the fire of his own men. His death a severe blow to the Southern cause. Jackson was a tactician of first rank and, though a strict disciplinarian, had the affection of his men. His devout Calvinism, fighting ability, and arresting personal quirks make him one of the most interesting figures of the war. He was Lee’s ablest and most trusted lieutenant. How the Author/Book effected time period The book “Might Stonewall” may have or have not effected it’s period. It

may have changed the views of those certain individuals, and may not have. This is because there are those who choose sides and those who choose sides to honor the Union or Confederacy. Some people may have seen or think of the Confederacy as the enemy. Especially the pro-slavery. Which were the Americans who separated from the North. Majority of the individuals viewed south as the Yang, the dark side. However, there were others who believed that North can also be evil. During the time that “Might Stonewall” was published the opinion about the south probably has changed to be positive. This book gave the society a more open mind about the south. Throughout the book Stonewall was shown as a great hero and man. The reader easily receives the insight the way the author describes and portrays Jackson, supports all reasons to support the south. How the Author/Book reflected time period This book probably did not reflect greatly upon the period time when it was published. The book portrayed Stonewall as a great man, as a fighter and warrior. This particular book was published during the time where government had changed. The book reflected upon our time period. Through the author the reader receives another view of the south. Due to Stonewall’s praising the reader’s opinion has changed benefactory positive. It showed us that south was not all that bad. This is showed through the author’s supporting of south. The author’s supporting is done by the positive reasons. It is depicted that the south were also people in search of their freedom, wanting to do what they wanted. What they suffered through to get to this country or hold on to their rights or law that they have learned to live by. It is clearly explained that each had different reasons but how each were just as patriotic in fighting for their beliefs and demands and rights. 2 Questions: Why did the author write about General Stonewall Jackson? The author’s inspiration to write such book as this probably came from his need to express to the society about the goodness in the South. The author wrote the book to explain the importance of Stonewall during the Civil War. The author strongly says to reader that south wasn’t necessary the “bad guy” of the civil war. Many people are lead to believe that the south was the evil of the Civil War, which wasn’t true. The author wrote the goodness of south by writing the goodness of one of the historical figure Stonewall. The author wrote about his interesting life of family, war life, and death. About the years he spent as a fighter for his country. The author, Frank E. Vandiver, wanted to illustrate that although he fought for the south he was respected by all and was recognized as a good man. Also, that Stonewall played an importance throughout history. How does the author feel about General Stonewall Jackson? Vandiver respects and admires the life lead by Stonewall. The author feels that Stonewall was a man with great vision and inspiration. This is supported by his fighting spirit and the short termed country which he gave his life for. The author’s attitude toward Stonewall was very positive and wrote great goodness of Stonewall’s character. The author wrote that Stonewall had a greater purpose in life then just fighting. That not only was he a great country fighter but a great family man and supporter of all he believed in. He accomplished his goals well thorough. Since, Stonewall was the type of man who would lay down his life for the things he believed in, which were thought rightly.