Counter-Factuals of the Civil War

Many historians and enthusiasts have pondered the “What ifs” of the Civil War. Historian Robert Cowley asserts that “What If” is a surreptitious question that historians enjoy discussing. Of course, ultimately it is impossible to answer. Novelists with “What if” themes have increased in numbers and are quite popular. Historians, since the end of the Civil War in 1865, through the “Lost Cause” and “Reconciliation” eras, and on down to the present have proposed many “What ifs” that have engaged scholars and enthusiasts. This volume is edited by the well-known Civil War scholars Chris Mackowski and Brian Matthew, with a foreword by Peter Tsouras, author of several alternative histories, and with maps by Edward Alexander. The book includes papers by thirteen leading historians, who have taken up the challenge of presenting plausible alternative histories, and through their knowledge, research, writing and storytelling skill have given us an entertaining read that many buffs will enjoy, learn from, and wonder, and will certainly intrigue many serious historians as well.

Each entry focuses on one of the most important events of the war and with a lively, unbiased treatment offers a plausible alternate reality. Although written in terms of persistent “second guesses", most of these essays are rooted in real history, supported by footnotes. Twelve essays evaluate pivotal moments and events of the war, addressing the question “What if this turning point had gone in a different direction?”

The object is to try to provoke more thinking by readers, which is certainly a purpose of written history.

The first five essays deal with major battles. Timothy Smith examines the significant alternate possibilities had Albert Sidney Johnston not died when he did at Shiloh. Kevin Pawlak considers what might have changed had George McClellan not found Lee’s Lost Order. Frank Jastrzembski asks whether a different Union general in command of the Army of the Potomac early in the war might have changed the outcomes of several battles. Dwight Hughes pens about the possible consequences had Great Britain and France intervened in the conflict. Finally, Kristopher White examines the perpetually popular “What ff Stonewall Jackson not been shot at Chancellorsville”.

The middle three essays deal with significant confrontations between Federal and Confederate armies. Dan Welch asks what might have occurred had Lee permitted Longstreet to move around the right at Gettysburg. Chris Mackowski writes about the possible outcome if Lee had very seriously hurt the Union forces during the Overland campaign on North Anna River. Finally, a fascinating essay by Kristen Trout deals with the consequences if Sterling Price had gained control of Missouri during 1864.

The final four papers consider questions of leadership. Cecily Zander looks at the curious loyalty shown by Jefferson Davis toward Army of Tennessee commanding general Braxton Bragg. Barton Myers considers the character of Robert E. Lee when faced, near the war’s end, with the choice of embracing an irregular strategy. Jonathan Noyalas writes a provocative contribution asking if Lincoln and the Union could have defeated the Confederate forces if Sherman and Sheridan had failed. Most provocative, Brian Jordon and Evan Rothera, asks, ''What if Lincoln had not been assassinated?''

The book ends with suggested readings for serious students wishing to learn more about these events. Far from being a lighthearted scholarly diversion The Great ‘What Ifs of the American Civil War” expands our understanding of the complexity of actual events and provides us with new viewpoints to consider. Further “What If” books are promised by the Emerging Civil War team.

Highly recommended.

Note: The Great “What Ifs” of the American Civil War is also available in e-editions.

StrategyPage reviews are published in cooperation with The New York Military Affairs Symposium