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Was the Civil War the most significant event in American history?
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In estimating the cause[s] of the Civil War, Shelby Foote says it was the "failure to compromise." Barbara Fields says that it was the colonies' separation from Great Britain with slavery intact. What do you think were the root causes?
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Mary Chesnut wrote of the "hatred between North and South." Was that true? Is there still bad blood between North and South?
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Currently, there is a resolution before Congress (HR 452) over the question of whether or not to make reparations to the descendants of enslaved Americans for slavery and its lingering effects. If it were your decision to make, would you vote in favor of or in opposition to such reparations? Why?
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How much of the support and participation, both in the North and South, was due to principle and how much was due to anger, outrage or the desire for revenge?
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Consider wars more recent than the Civil War, including the current "War on Terrorism." What were the American attitudes toward the Germans and Japanese in WWII, the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War and toward terrorist groups today? Then consider the Civil War: what does it mean when the enemy is a fellow American and possibly even a member of the family?
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One of the things for which we admire Lincoln is his eloquence. Are there any modern presidents who compare?
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President Lincoln violated many of the tenets of the Constitution (he suspended habeas corpus; he, not Congress, declared war; men were arrested without trial). Were these actions justifiable? Are they ever?
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How much does the history of the Civil War matter to Americans in the Midwest and West? What were the long-term implications for our entire country?
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In 1962, South Carolina raised a confederate battle flag to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Civil War. Some viewed it as a sign of Southern heritage, others as a reminder of slavery and hate. Two years ago, the flag was moved from atop the State House dome to the front of the Capitol grounds, and earlier this year someone set the banner ablaze. How do you see the flag? Do you think it should continue to fly?
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