“War is hell. Complain as you will, I would defy you to point out a single rebellion where the instigators suffered less and were incorporated back into the body politic more quickly than the Southern states were.”
Clever. But in the post to which I was responding, I think you were saying that some of the actions “were hard.”
Some Northern leaders claimed to be deeply concerned about the well-being of slaves liberated by the Northern armies. However, Union tactics intentionally devastated the economies of much of the South - leaving people to struggle for years to avert starvation. This destruction made the South’s recovery far slower than it otherwise would have been - and greatly increased the misery of both white and black survivors.
I’d be happy to point out that your notion that the South was “incorporated back into the body politic more quickly than ...” gave me the best laugh I’ve had in years. Thanks. No response but this? What’s the matter, truth got your tongue?
Sure they were, why shouldn't they be? In the words of Sherman himself, "War is the remedy our enemy's have chosen. They dared us to war, and you remember how tauntingly they defied us to the contest. We have accepted the issue and it must be fought out. You might as well reason with a thunderstorm. I say let us give them all they want; not a word of argument, not a sign of let up, no cave in till we are whipped or they are."
If you choose to start a war you have nobody but yourself to blame if that war comes home to you.
I’d be happy to point out that your notion that the South was “incorporated back into the body politic more quickly than ...” gave me the best laugh I’ve had in years. Thanks.
Feel free.
What’s the matter, truth got your tongue?
And what would you know about that?