For Cause and Comrades: Why Men Fought in the Civil War by James McPherson

For Cause and Comrades delves into the personal motivations of Civil War soldiers, both Union and Confederate, through a vast collection of uncensored letters and diaries. James McPherson, a renowned Civil War historian, challenges the notion that soldiers' resolve waned over time, instead showing their unwavering commitment to their causes. The book offers a profound look into the soldiers' experiences and the ideals that drove them to endure immense hardships./n/nBy presenting the soldiers' own words, McPherson provides a deeply moving and authentic account of their experiences. This exploration of their motivations and the enduring impact of their service offers a unique perspective on one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

Reviews

The New York Times · 2025-12-22

thoughtful 4.00

The book argues for a closer relationship among the categories of Civil War soldiers' motivations. It delves deeper into the soldiers' motivations and their will to fight.

The reviewer finds the book's argument compelling and well-supported. They appreciate the way McPherson explores the complex motivations of the soldiers and the factors that sustained their will to fight. The reviewer also notes that the book challenges some existing scholarship on combat motivation, offering a fresh perspective. They particularly like the way McPherson uses historical evidence to support his arguments.

Quick quotes

This book will argue for a closer relationship among these three categories for Civil War soldiers than some scholarship on combat motivation posits for that era.

His new book not only reinforces that argument, it also delves deeper into soldier motivation by asking why men fought and how they maintained their will to fight.

McPherson retains his view that political ideals mattered most.

American Civil War Round Table · 2022-02-22

insightful 4.50

The book explores the motivations of Civil War soldiers, highlighting their unwavering conviction in their cause. It provides a detailed and captivating picture of the soldiers' experiences.

The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the compelling narrative that McPherson presents. They highlight how the book effectively captures the soldiers' motivations and the emotional and psychological aspects of their experiences. The reviewer also notes that the book is a valuable resource for understanding the human side of the Civil War. They particularly like the way McPherson uses soldiers' letters and diaries to bring the narrative to life.

Quick quotes

This book tries to find out 'why they fought.'

James McPherson demonstrates to show that the soldiers of the Civil War remained powerfully convinced of the cause.

The book provides a captivating picture of the 'men who were the soldiers' of the Civil War.

Civil War Talk · 2020-12-06

informative 4.00

The book is considered a good extension of McPherson's previous work. It is praised for its insightful exploration of soldiers' motivations.

The reviewer appreciates the book as a valuable addition to the literature on the Civil War. They highlight how it builds on McPherson's previous work and offers new insights into the motivations of the soldiers. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-written and engaging, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers. They particularly like the way McPherson uses personal accounts to illustrate his points.

Quick quotes

It's a good book, an extension off of 'What They Fought For.'

Appears in Lists

The Best Civil War Books of All Time