Product Review

Why did the American Civil War begin?

Commonly it is understood that the Confederates made the first aggressive actions when they fired upon the Union held Fort Sumter.

But did they have a choice?

Huger William Johnstone in this fascinating reevaluation of why the American Civil War began provides insight into how the actions of President Lincoln forced the Southern states into a corner, from which there was no escape except through violence.

By drawing evidence from hundreds of first-hand accounts as well as interviews with many of the major figures who had fought in the conflict Johnstone is able to build a solid line of argument that questions our preconceived ideas of the war.

Huger William Johnstone was a native of Georgia who served with the 5th Georgia Volunteers through the Civil War. He wrote this work after many years of research in 1917 and it was first published in 1921.