LLI: The Lost, Lost Cause

Many southerners have written histories of the U.S. Civil War. The results of their works were generally celebrations of the sacrifices by the soldiers in grey, with a particular emphasis on certain leaders. Shelby Foote, for instance, wrote three histories of the Civil War, one of which celebrated Nathan Bedford Forest, the first leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Douglas Southall Freman wrote a four-volume work of praise for Robert E. Lee. There are many other examples.

We will then turn to the histories written by northerners in the 1960s and later. We will discuss the differences in the viewpoints expressed and why they are important today. We will also examine the issues surrounding Confederate Statuary and the U.S. Army forts named for confederate generals. Robert E. Lee said he wanted no monument, and he desired that no statuary be put up on Civil War battle sites.  Fort Benning, Georgia, is named for a southerner who had zero military experience before or after the war.

Convener: Richard Dowen is a long-time LLI Convener, usually discussing issues in American military history.

The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), established in 2000, is a member-directed group of individuals primarily age 50 plus who enjoy learning in informal, flexible, non-competitive groups and like connecting with peers who share their interests. No grades, no tests – just Learning for the Fun of It.