Battle Cry of Freedom 3

In Chapters 13 and 15, McPherson includes some maps that greatly enhanced my understanding of the war events taking place in those spots. The maps on pages 399 (The Kentucky-Tennessee Theatre, Winter-Spring 1862) and 411 (The Battle of Shiloh April 6-7, 1862) give greater perspective as to what occurred on a larger basis (the former map) and also specifically (the latter map). The war events out West which occurred in this time frame are important because it brings U.S. Grant to the attention of the president and the public for both good and ill (good, because he was winning while forcing the action; and bad, because of the rising casualties that was the natural result of the offensive mindset that was Grant’s signature methodology for prosecuting the war). These maps really increase the insight the reader can acquire as he absorbs the written text. Understanding the geography of a place always enhances the capacity to understand why decisions were made the way they were. One enduring understanding related to history which I believe is important for students to understand is that geography will always affect the how, where, when, what, and many times why things are done that are done. Using these maps certainly assisted my own knowledge and understanding.