~ David Bowie ~
The Emancipationists and Abolitionists were two different movements aimed at ending slavery, although each movement had its own ideas about how to do the job. While the Emancipationists were always in the political mainstream – slave owner and senator Henry Clay of Kentucky was president of the American Emancipation and Colonization Society – the Abolitionists were considered the lunatic fringe of the movement. Then came Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Bleeding Kansas and Dred Scott in the 1850's, which moved the political playing field in a way that put the Abolitionists in the mainstream. This was the Abolitionist anthem. While most people considered John Brown a domestic terrorist, Abolitionists considered him a hero and martyr.
Later, Julia Ward Howe wrote her own lyrics to this melody, which is how it is remembered today. She made much more effective use of the tune than the folk version. This is the US Army Chorus performance done at the dedication of Dubya’s Presidential Library.
”The Battle Hymn of the Republic”
That‘s it for tonight. I’ll be back tomorrow night with the second part of the Music of the Civil War.