Let's end with some tunes. Music is an often overlooked and underestimated piece of the fabric of war. In the case of the Civil War, we have confederate songs and union songs. Some songs express lament over the loss of life, some discuss the merits of their side over the other and others were an attempt to remind people of home. Music is something anyone can enjoy.
Music was also used as a means of communication during battle. Certain melodies and/or drum roll patters would indicate retreat, troop movement or other directives.
This week take a look at this website and learn about how music was used on the battelfield.
Then, go to this site and look at five Union songs and five Confederate songs. When you click on a song name you will be directed to a lyrics page with an option at the top of the screen to play the song. Be sure to listen to each song while you are reading the lyrics.
There are multiple parts to the comments section this week.
A) Explain how music was used on the battlefield. Should fife and drum players feel as proud of the job they did as soldiers? (100 words)
B) Pick one of the Confederate songs you read/listened to AND one of the Union songs you read/listened to and analyze them. What do you think these songs mean? What did they mean to someone back in the 1860s? Does the "sound" of the song match the lyrics? (100 words for Confederate and another 100 words for Union).
C) Finally, as a way to conclude the year, please discuss what one thing has impacted you the most from all we have discussed this year. Please meditate on this question before answering. Think about ALL we have read, discussed, seen, listened to, debated etc.(100 words)
Music was an important part of the war, and had a lot of purposes. Military bands played for parades, evening concerts, and formations. Drums played to wake the soldiers up in the morning, which I think would be really encouraging to me, especially if they sounded good. This was also the way that they were called to roll call, sick call, and guard duty. Drums were very helpful on the battlefield because they were used to communicate orders to the soldiers from the officers, and they signaled troop movement. I think that fife and drum players should be very proud of the part that they played in the war. They could have gotten shot or injured while they were playing throughout the battles. They risked their lives by being a part of one of the bands, just like the soldiers did. They also helped surgeons in the hospitals when it got really bad. I’m sure that they were a big encouragement to all of the soldiers, and helped keep their spirits high and stay happy and strong throughout all of the battles during the war. (185)
ReplyDeleteThe Union song I chose was “Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!” I think this song is about the Union soldiers remembering their lives at home, and wanting to win the war and go home. It says they try to stay happy and bright so I think that in some ways remembering the good things and people they love back home helps them get through all of the tough things happening. I think they are waiting for the war to be won so that they can go home to the people they love and miss so dearly. I think that it was encouraging to the people who heard it in the 1860’s. It reminded them to stay strong because of the wonderful things that they would get to go back home to. I think that the lyrics and sound go pretty well together, and is altogether uplifting. (144) The Confederate song I chose was “Goober Peas” I think this song is about when the Confederate soldiers were able to kind of actually enjoy themselves. I think it is about them and the good times that they did have throughout the course of the war. I think it was an exciting song for the people in the 1860’s; I think it reminded them that there were enjoyable times during the war when they were able to have fun. The lyrics and sound, in my opinion, sound very good and fit together nicely. I think it is a great combination, and would be good for the soldiers to hear during the hard times. (113)
The thing that has impacted me the most this year was learning about how patriotic and independent we are as a nation. The people who made the move from Great Britain over to the current United States were very brave, and were willing to do some risky things to be independent. They rebelled and fought against Great Britain even though we were very small compared to them. They fought hard and strong, and won! Once we were a new country, more people came over. Everyone was very patriotic and excited about living in the United States even through tough times of making the most out of what we have. Throughout different struggles like other wars, forming a government, and electing presidents, they learned a lot about sticking together as a nation and came up with great new ideas. Our founding fathers made risky choices, but were brave and confident throughout all that they did. They worked hard and created an independent country that most everyone was happy to be a part of. (172)
Music was a big deal during the Civil War. It helped the soldiers obey commands. It was also a part of the soldiers’ daily lives. When the soldiers were not fighting on the battlefield they were sometimes sitting around the campfire listening to the drum and fife. The drummers and fifers are as much a part of the infantry as any other soldier, because without them some of the soldiers might not have understood some of the commands and could have died. The Civil War was as much of the drummers’ and fifes’ life as another soldier. The drummers should be very proud and thankful for their job in the war along with the fifers. (115)
ReplyDeleteThe Northern Battle Hymn of the Republic was a Gospel tune, it represented that the North was trusting in God to bring them through the Civil War. It also expressed how God was leading them through and because Jesus died for their sins they will die to make men free. Also the soldiers would read God’s word by the fire at night and they believed that God will punish the South because of their rebellion. And the soldiers have built altars to God and have praised him in the morning and at night. This song was hope to many Americans. (100) Meanwhile the Southern Battle Cry of Freedom was the South’s version of the Northern Battle Cry of Freedom. Their version of the song expresses how the South rebelled, and how they have replaced the North’s flag with their own Southern Dixie. "To tyrants we'll not yield!" The South believes that the North is the tyrant for breaking their usual lives and stopping their use of slavery.
They have conquered enough to break away from the Union and they believe that they can keep on conquering until they win the Civil War. This is their hope of winning this war against these tyrants. (102)
One thing that has struck me in most every blog that we have done this year is that the stuff we talk about is not common knowledge. Most of the things we talk about are not taught in most history books. I feel like I have learned newfound knowledge from every history blog this year and that I know more now than I did at the beginning of the year. Even though these history blogs were not always easy, or that I liked them or remembered to do them I know that I definitely benefitted from doing them. I hope that the next grade will learn as much from this blog as I did. (114)
Many people are influenced by music today and after reading this I can see how it influenced people during the Civil War. The bands who played in the camps often would play patriotic songs, or songs that reminded the soldiers about home. By doing this I think it give the soldiers a sense of pride in what they were doing for their side and to give them hope so that they wouldn’t give up. Both the Union and Confederate armies used music to wake the soldiers up, sick call, guard duty, to tell them when it was bedtime, and so much more. They even used the music as ways to communicate with each other during a battle. The drummers and fife players should feel extremely proud of themselves. They used their talents to help out to their side and even risked their life playing during the battle when they could have been shot and killed any second. They also helped out surgeons during the war taking care of the injured. By helping out the surgeons they also would have to deal with all the bloody amputations and diseases that happened daily in the hospitals. The drummers and fife players played a big role in the Civil War.(207)
ReplyDeleteOut of the five Union songs I listened to I chose the “Faded Coat of Blue” by J.H. McNaughton. I interpreted this song about a fallen soldier from a battle during the Civil War. In the song it talks about how they laid him down to sleep in a lonely nameless grave which is an example of what happened to a lot of fallen soldiers who died because they couldn’t identify them.It also reminds me of how soilders would write their name and stuff on a piece of paper attached to them so people could indentify them if they were killed. In the third verse the fallen soldier is telling the people around him to say goodbye to his loved ones for him and pretty much says his lasts words. This song just gives me a little insight on how horrible the war actually was.(147)
The song “When This Cruel War is Over” by Charles Carroll Sawyer I think is about a wife or loved one writing to her husband. It tells how she is worried for him and it gives some of the horrible things that she thinks might happen to him. It also says in the song how if he falls on the battlefield she won’t hear his cry to come and help him. It reminds me that not only did the soldiers suffer but also their loved ones wondering if they were ok and still alive. I couldn’t imagine having to think about all those possibilities if I were in those people shoes.(111)
This blog has really allowed me to take the knowledge that I know already and dig deeper in things that most people don’t know or learn in class. Some of the topics that we covered that really stuck with me would probably have to be when the country was first starting out. How many peopled came over to colonize in a foreign wilderness is amazing to me. I know that I wouldn’t have the courage to do something like that if I were them. Another thing that the blog changed my perspective on is Christopher Columbus. I always thought of him as the person who discovered America until after the blogs we did on him. Overall even though the blogs weren’t always easy and challenging to get them done before Sunday I’m glad I got to learn some of the things I did. (143)
A) Music has always seemed to keep us going in the hard times and that’s what the Civil War bands did as well as other things. The bands would play at special events, but also played to help discipline the troops. I thought it was very interesting how the drums could be used as a form of communication. Sometimes they would just play when the soldiers were resting at the camp to make them feel more at home. I definitely think that the soldiers who played fifes and drums should be appreciated. They kept the soldiers spirits up and helped the wounded. They may have had a small role, but they were important. It’s like a sports team-some players may not play as much in the game as others, but they are still part of the team and need to encourage each other. (142)
ReplyDeleteB) The Union song I listened to is “John Brown’s Body”. When I first saw the title I thought it was about the abolitionist who attacked Harpers Ferry, but it was actually about a general. The lyrics talk about how Brown is dead in his grave, but “his soul goes marching on”. I think this means that even though one of the leaders died, his spirit made the Union fired up. Another line says he “died that the slaves might be free” meaning he died for a purpose, hoping that one day slavery would end. The tune was to Battle Hymn of the Republic and the lyrics sounded good with it. I think that to a person during the Civil War time, this song meant that even though a general dies, he is marching with the Lord in Heaven. (122)
The Confederate song I decided on is “The Homespun Dress.” I thought this one was actually kind of funny, because even back then in the 1860s, the South had southern pride which was what the song was about. The song is from a Southern girl’s perspective and how she is proud of her simple homespun dress rather than a fancy one like Northern girls’. It also talks about how they are proud to send their brave husbands and sweethearts to fight in the war. In my opinion I think how people back then would see this song is how people from the South are proud of their simple ways of living. I was able to follow along with the music and lyrics. (122)
C) Well, first, thanks Mr. Haston for taking time and finding these websites! Usually I dread having to do a blog, but surprisingly I’ve actually found some of them really interesting. The blog helps me understand history more since we don’t have as much time in class. We’re able to share our ideas of what history is all about through the blog. The most interesting thing I learned this year is that the Declaration of Independence did not free us from England, but it was the Treaty of Paris. The DOI was simply a DECLARATION. I think I have always thought that ever since this class. I mean we celebrate the 4th of July, not the Treaty of Paris, but thanks to the wonderful blog I have realized that it was just to encourage America to fight even harder for our freedom from England. (143)
A. Even music back then was very important to people. Nowadays, people use music for things such as funerals, church services, and things like that. Music helps. I think during the war this was not only a help because it was patriotic, but as you said it was used to send signals. I liked how the two groups would copy each others music from across the river. The fife and drum players should feel just as proud as the soldiers because I think their job was just as important. They, like the soldiers, also risked their lives to comfort those in battle and be a messenger. They gave hope to the soldiers fighting. I also think if I had been a soldier that the music would have helped me because it would occupy my mind a little bit. Instead of just hearing the crys of soldiers and gunshots you could hear the music. These musicians had just of big of a role as the soldiers who fought. (167)
ReplyDeleteB. The Union song I listened to was "The Battle Cry of Freedom". I think that this song was the type of song that kept the tired soldiers going. It kid of reminded them of why they were fighting in the first place. For example it talked about how no man should ever be a slave. It also talked about what their reward would be if they won. The freedom of all men. This was what they were fighting for. The music was kind of upbeat and would have inspired me to keep going. I think it inspired others too. (101) The Confederate song I listened to was called "When this Cruel war is Over". It reminded me of a type of sad love song. When people would go away in war and leave their loved ones behind, it would have been obviously very difficult because they didn't know if they would ever see them again or not. It could be their last goodbye. I think this song is saying about how when the war ends they wuld get to see their loved ones again. It gave hope to the soldiers that the war did have an end and it would not keep going on forever, and that was a good reminder for them. The music was slower and just sounded sad which matched the lyrics. (126)
C. I think what has taught me the most (obviously besides you) was the Story of Us videos. Sure, at some times they were boring, but overall the accuracy and goriness of it taught me so much more than a book could. I am also a very visual learner. With these videos I was able to see what War and life during the certain time periods was like, and I think that's the main reason that I enjoyed these videos so very much. My favorite episode was probably the Civil War because of how real it looked. It might have been gross, but it definitely caught my attention and I will rememeber it. (114)
Music had many different purposes in the Civil War. In the Union they played to welcome new regiments. These bands were called Regimental Bands. They also played in parades to lift the mood. The Confederates were a bit short on instruments (just like they were with everything else). But with the instruments they did have they played to lift the mood of all the soldiers. Drums were used to communicate. They used drums probably because they can be heard from all over. Some bands would go out to war and help the surgeons. Others would even go out to war and play during the fighting. (106)
ReplyDeleteThe Union song I listened to is The Battle Hymn of the Republic. I could definitely tell that the lyrics to this song fit the music. The writer of this song was talking about (in the last verse) that Jesus died to save men, so they would die to make men free. I felt he was saying that God was marching on with them to war. Also the writer of this song gained comfort and peace from reading the Bible by the light of a lamp (second verse). Also on the third verse I feel like he is saying God is going to judge the south for this. (109)
The Confederate song I listened to was God Save the South! I thought it was ironic that the song kept shouting “Freedom or Death”. This makes no sense to mean, because they are fighting to keep slaves as their property. It makes the South look really selfish. Also they are actually expecting God to help them keep slavery, and the cruelty that came with it. In verse two they ask God to be their shield. This is turning out to be a little deja vu with the Manifest Destiny. This song was a little off when I tried to sing it to myself. (105)
The thing I enjoyed the most from all the great things we learned this year was all the details about the presidents. It was so fun to learn about all the interesting facts, and fun things to know. I find myself talking about some funny detail to someone about a president. My most favorite president we learned about would have to be Abraham Lincoln. This is because we focused on him longer than any other president, and I learned so much while watching the movies (The Pre. 1-16, and the other series we watched. I can’t think of its name). (101)
The music was used to wake up soldiers and tell the soldiers to do something. They would be playing in parades and funerals like they do today. The north had no trouble getting the instruments, but the south had many troubles getting the instruments because they were short of metal, and they were really expensive and difficult to find. The thing that intrigued me was that the soldiers can tell which bugle player was theirs because they heard it so much they knew how it sounded. I think that the fife and the drummers should be proud of what they did. It is because they too stood at the battlefield, and they faced the fear of dying with bullets flying across their faces.(123)
ReplyDeleteThe Confederate song I read was Cheer, Boys, Cheer. The song when first read looks like a song that would cheer the soldiers up and get them motivated to get ready for battle. When read over and over again it means that the flag will wave honorably and will stay waving, and after this war you can go to your wives and be happy for what you fought for. It also says that you might not live to see your wife at home and that they might not return to their homes. The whole song is about the soldiers fighting whether they will die or live. The Union song that I read was The Minstrel Boy. The song talks about a son that has his father’s sword that has fallen and plays a harp so beautifully. The father and the town that he was from will wait for the minstrel son to come back. The town will greet him with joy and welcome and forget about all the past things that he had done. The song in deep meaning is about the Union and the Confederacy. It is talking that the south will be defeated and come back to the union. The union will greet the confederacy with great joy and forget about the past and go back to living together like they normally did.(225)
The blog has impacted me the most because of the more information we got from looking at websites and videos to learn more about that certain time. It helped me understand a few things a little more than I used to. It was fun to see what was different from today and how hard the time was for these people that survived the founding of America. It was interesting to find out the different side of some people and the bad or good nature that the people had. It was also interesting to discover the different natures of the presidents and how good or bad they were and how they did to change America. (114)
Music on the battlefields was extremely important. Certain tunes and beats symbolized different things like retreat or advancement. Also music in the war was used to wake up soldiers and tell them when to go to bed. Music was used for entertainment as well. It helped boost the spirits of the men during hard times. I think that the musicians played as big a part in the war as the soldiers. With a few quick notes, soldiers knew what to do. This was SO much better than yelling orders, I think. Imagine if only a few soldiers near the general heard the orders but no one else did. The drums and fifes were an instant way to give orders. I can’t believe all of the courage the musicians had. They were sometimes in the middle of the fighting, but instead holding a gun they were holding an instrument! {148}
ReplyDeleteOne of the Union songs I listened to was “Union Dixie.” I had heard “Dixieland” before which is the Confederate version but I never knew there was a Union version. This song referred to the secessionists as traitors. It also talked about how the “Dixie boys” needed to mind their Uncle Sam, or the Union. I think this song could have been played in a Union camp before a battle to get the soldiers pumped up. The song overall was saying how the Union was going to defeat the Confederates, so this would have been a good encouragement before fighting. It was a fast paced song and I think the lyrics matched well with the sound. It was very catchy. {120}
One of the Confederate songs I listened to was “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” This song was written by a soldier’s point of view. He was going to see his Yellow Rose of Texas which was his girlfriend or wife, it never says which though. He talks about how sad it was when he left, “it like to broke his heart.” I think the sound of the song goes well with the lyrics. It’s not a depressing song but it’s not supposed to be a super happy song. I think this tune could have been played during pauses between battles to remind the men of their wives or lovers back home. It would encourage them and give them hope of finding their loved ones when the war ended. {128}
I really enjoyed learning about the Revolutionary War and the start of our nation. I never knew a lot about how our nation began, but now I know many things that help me look at things differently. One thing that I never knew was that there were other “presidents” before George Washington. Another thing that I never knew existed were the Articles of Confederation. Not everyone knows about the “rough draft” of the Constitution. I really enjoyed going deeper into topics through the blog. Obviously I liked some better than others, but most were really interesting. This year I found myself saying “Oh, I never knew that before,” quite often. I am so glad that I was able to learn so many new things this year and I’m gonna miss this class. {132}
~Mo
A.The drummers in the Civil War played a very significant role for each side. They would attract men of all ages to come and help support their country if they were too young to fight. They would also perform in various parades and concerts for the soldiers. The drummers also were the alarm clock for the soldiers. The fifes and drums would be played at funerals too. They would probably be played during the fighting too. The Confederates were short handed on instruments. The drums were more common because the were very loud and had a distinct sound. I thought it was interesting how they knew which instrument was theirs because they were so used to hearing it. (119)
ReplyDeleteC.First of all, thank you Mr. Haston for putting all this together. I have really enjoyed all the videos and websites you’ve spent the time to look up just to help us understand the topic better. I think I have actually learned more in the blogs than I did from the book. I liked learning about the presidents and their decisions that changed America and even sometimes contradicted their own principles. The debates were probably my favorite thing we have done though. I think it is the best was for everyone to hear multiple sides of the story and help them think about different options rather than just the one that we’ve all heard from elementary. I also like the way we did the presidential brackets this past Friday. I understand stuff more when we incorporate sports into them. It makes more sense to me when we do stuff in groups and I like the projects assigned to us throughout the year. Also, I like how the guidelines are different each time for the projects. Its not always the same thing and it keeps the class fun. The presidential packets we did with the 20 facts was also very interesting to me. I learned a lot of things I never even knew about the first 16 presidents this year too. (205)
Hey Mr. Haston this is Bookbag. For some reason it would not let me post my blog this week so I will email it to you.
ReplyDeleteThe military bands were just as important as the soldiers in the civil war. They often signaled attacks and surrenders. There were more military bands in the north than the south because instruments were expensive and the south could not afford them. Military bands would also assist the surgeons with the wounded. This possibly another reason the military hospitals were terrible. There was a main drummer in the bands. Usually he had a fifer next to him. A fifer is a high pitched instrument that is similar to a piccolo. Military bands were very important to battle in the civil war. The union had many songs. Some of the songs sing of victory some of defeat, and some of the sad sorrows of war. The song I am writing about is just before the battle mother. This song truly brought the horrors of the war to home. The words clearly describe the way a soldiers mind is before battle I felt like I to was in the battle. The verse where it mentions him being numbered among the slain struck me the most. All I could picture was a mother crying. The tune of the song clearly matches up with the lyrics of the song. the confederate songs had the same sort of meaning. The song I am writing about is when this cruel war is over. In this song a wife is speaking to her husband about the last time they met and how much she misses him. The lyrics math the tune perfectly. The thing that impacted me most this year was the visit to the art museum. To see how the art in the museum relates to history at the time was amazing. All of the pictures we so impactful on me and on how society was viewed them. The art about the African Americans was also very interesting to be because it clearly showed how African Americans were view by white people. Some pictures had black baby’s wrestling alligators. This overall has been very impactful on me the in-depth study of the history just brought so many things to new light. I had nothing close to the experience in Texas. That is why I am so happy to be at grace here the classes are so well taught and the teachers really care about you. I am truly blessed to be able to attend grace academy.(400)
ReplyDeletePeople in the bands of the civil war played a huge part in entertainment and motivation. It helped the people feel a reason to fight if they were having a rough day. It also played for marching in ranks. The steps could be measured out or counted by the beats on the drum. They must have been honored to even be part of the war. They were on the front line most of the time unless they were on surgery duty. They should have been proud of themselves but not as much as the people who actually fought. They were important to the war. (104)
ReplyDeleteStonewall Jacksons Ways was a song about the way Stonewall Jackson led his army. It shows how he requires respect from his men. It worked well because his armies won a lot of battles. He was one of the best generals in the confederate army. It seems as if they known what he was going to do when he starts doing something. Because of his obvious strictness he had a very good army. It also seems he is religious because it talks about him praying. The song talks about the life at war and how it was difficult under Stonewall Jackson. (102)
One of my favorite songs from the union was “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. It is a praise song to God. They are praising him for letting them fight for him. It seems like they want to die so they can see the glory of God. The song is a song of complete praise. It is a good army because they find the best in everything. Those kinds of people are the best to look up on. They are religious and fight for their country and for what’s right. They relate things in the war to things in the Bible. (101)
One of the most important things I have learned this year was how much the people back long ago were modern. All the things they had seemed so modern compared to what I thought they were like. The stuff they had long ago is still used today. They had so much that is the beginning of what we have today. We still use bow and arrows that were created by the Native Americans long ago. The cotton gin was huge in modern technology. It was fun learning all we learned this year and I hope I can remember it for a long time. (103)
Back in the day(the Civil War),the army actually had a traveling band. This band consisted of several types of members. The Union Army was actually able to afford brass instruments while the Confederates had to stick with more common instruments. Both sides however, had drummers and fifers. The Drums in the band were used to alert the soldiers to what was going on or what orders were being given(like alarms, speakers, and other communication devices). Drummers were even supposed to relay important battle orders to the troops in the thick of it. Fifers were less useful than the drummers, but they helped keep morale up. No one wanted some guy beating on a drum as a source of morale and brass cost too much. So, most people decided to use wooden flutes. They perked up the spirits of the soldiers as they marched through all kinds of rough terrain. Band players were some of the bravest people in the army. Not only were they getting shot at on the field, they didn't have anything to retaliate with! I acknowledge them for their extra courage.(184)
ReplyDeleteThe Union song I picked was "Always Stand on the Union Side". This song is a very high spirited song in a major key with the kind of feeling involving marching around. This song was most likely meant to perk up the spirits of men marching to a battle. The song summarizes that the Union will win, the soldiers will die before the secessionists win, and these same men will restore the Union once more. I bet I could see the men marching with a spring in their step as the band played. Wow! I wonder if any brass instruments played this!(102)
The Confederate song I picked was “When This Cruel War is Over”. It is a song that is mixed with a feeling of hope and sadness. A woman is the main speaker in the song and pours out her heart in telling about how she misses her lover, who left to join the Confederate Army. She says that she hopes he will return to her, that she says she dreams of his dead on a battlefield, and that she prays he will proudly represent the Confederates and strike for God (implying that God is on the southern side). There were most likely many of these stories in the Civil War and this song brought comfort and resolve to the soldiers to fight for their loved ones. They could also possibly cry as well.(133)
I enjoyed this blog very much as well as the history class! Nothing really impacted me very much but the part of the blog I enjoyed the most was the Civil War section. This conflict not only drove us apart for a little bit, but brought us even closer together as a nation after the Union won and Lincoln forgave the South. This bond would prove pivotal in future wars and trials (Ex: WWII, WWI, and The Great Depression). My only disappointment was not being able to progress farther in the textbook! History is so vast that it takes YEARS just to get up to date on all the information! I hope everyone does well on the History exam! I will see everyone tomorrow!(124)
Ahh, the last blog. Well I really appreciate all the hard work you have put into this blog. I’ve really enjoyed doing it and taking the time to dig deeper into the many subjects we have studied this year. Anyway…..
ReplyDeleteA) Like many others have said music was an extreme importance in the Civil War era. The bands not only played at the different camps to make them feel at home but also the music incorporated the commands that that the generals gave the soldiers. Those who played the drums fifes I think were just as important as any other soldier. They may not have fought but they did risk their lives for whichever side they were on. The drummers and fifers (is that what they’re called? Fifers?) calmed many of the soldiers’ nerves and their music almost ‘called the chaos’. (100) I’m watching the Billboard awards right now, music has changed A LOT since the Civil War.
B) For the Union song I chose ‘The Battle Cry of Freedom’. This song was definitely written for the Union. I thought one of the interesting lines was “the loyal, true and brave.’ It made me think back to the Revolutionary War when there were the ‘loyalists’ that were royal to England who would now be the Yankees or those from the North. Then the patriots from the Revolutionary War would be the Rebels or the Confederates. I feel like these two wars were quite the same but just in a different context. In both time periods Americans wanted freedom from something. (101) For the Confederate song I chose ‘Southern Soldier Boy’. I chose this song because it showed the really relationships that the soldiers had before they left home and while they were gone. I can’t imagine what that would be like. One of the lines of the song was ‘Oh, if in the battle, he were slain, I know that I would die. But I’m sure he will some again.’ When anyone had the thoughts of if their loved one or soldier would not come back, they had to reassure themselves that they would come back. The Civil War is a perfect example that life is never certain but it is very much worth living. (115)
C) Lastly, let’s take it wayyyyyy to August. ‘Christopher Columbus: The Hitler of the 15th century.’ But like I said before, wouldn’t Hitler be the Columbus of the 20th century?! Anyway, I chose this certain blog mostly because it informed me of what a horrible person Chris really was. I really think that Christopher Columbus is one of the most misunderstood stories in all of history. I had no idea that he treated people that way and he didn’t even really discover America in the first place. And yet, when I think about him, the first thing that pops into my head is that he was the “amazing courageous guy who discovered America”. It kind of makes me angry that I was repeatedly told the story and it wasn’t even the whole truth the entire up. I don’t want anything sugarcoated. (140)
But thank you, Mr. Haston for a great year. I’m really going to miss this class and this state… ugh that sounds sad. Anyway, this is Hartwig logging out for the last time. :(
in part C. when I said enire up, i meant entire time
ReplyDeletePart A: The music on the battlefield was very important. Regiment Bands were part of regiments and played during recruitment sessions. They also played for parades, formations, & evening concerts. Most of them had about 16-24 members. Unfortunately, they were all disbanded and replaced with Brigade Bands. These bands were assigned to whole brigades of men, instead of regiments. The confederacy was not able to provide the amount of men to play due to the shortage of the instruments, but General Robert E. Lee says that the few players they had kept the moral of the men alive. As the war went on the players, especially drummers, got more and more duties. They began to lead morning roll calls, sick calls, and guard duties. At night, they played “taps” to signal lights out. To answer the question, I believe that these men were just as important as the soldiers, because they helped organize the troops and kept the spirit up in them. (160)
ReplyDeletePart B:The union song I choose was “Liberty Ball”. I’ll be honest; this song was not what I expected as a war song. I thought it sound more like a modern country when I first heard it. It has changed my view of them. Anyway, this song was more about the incentive for some of the union soldiers in the war, which was slavery. Throughout the song it talks about “come aid in the slaves’ liberation” & “to oppose them till all of God’s image are free”. It also refers to the rebuilding of the union in the 3rd verse. It begins with “We’ll finish the temple of freedom,” the temple referring to the Union/America. The confederate song I listened to was Shiloh’s hill, which referred to the Battle of Shiloh. The song tells the story of the battle from the beginning to the end. But the man who wrote the song did not focus much about the battle, but the aftermath. He talked about how there were so many men ling dead and wounded calling for help or praying to God. He talks about how he mourns for those on the battlefield and how he hopes that no one will ever have to see this sight again. He also said he prayed for the souls who fell during the battle of Shiloh. (224)
Part C: The thing that has impacted me over this whole year is “always do some research yourself”. Throughout this year, I have learned many things that have contradicted my earlier beliefs about American history. Before this year, I thought Thomas Jefferson was the best president ever, but he didn’t keep his promises and was kind of a jerk to his daughter. I also would have thought that Manifest Destiny was completely ok, but I did not know about the unfairness that went along with it. The extra activities and the blog have made this even more clearly to me. I remember back when we studied the Revolutionary War that I watched the video on the blog, and afterwards I had realized that the issue of Slavery and Africans went back to then, not just before the Civil War. All in all, I now know that I should check more than one source, and not just believe what I first hear. (159)
Part One. Music has always been a part of our society. I have always heard about drums during the war and how there were drummer boys and stuff. On the battlefield music was used to encourage the soldiers to fight harder to win the battle for their home country. I think it is funny how the teams in battles would have infantry bands that played for them. They would literally have battles between each one of the bands. I like the story of the two bands playing across the river to see who was better. The music was a huge aspect in the war. (104)
ReplyDeletePart Two. For the confederate song I chose the one called “God Save the South.” It was a good motivational song for the troops. In my opinion, the lyrics were perfect. The song basically talked about God protecting the South like a shield. It was a little depressing at the end but sounded like it would encourage the soldiers to fight hard. It would motivate the soldiers with all of the hundreds of other songs. There were a ton of songs to choose from but I liked the name of this one song because of the story. The confederates had good motivation but still lost because of the lack of materials and troops. (113)
The song that I chose for the Union was good. It was called “Always Stand on the Union’s Side.” It talked about how the union was better and that people should either join or stay on the union because they are better than the confederacy. Which is true because of the population. The union had a lot of choices of songs but I liked this one because it showed the pride that came with being on the union’s side. It gave the citizens of the union a lot more hope for the victory. In the end I liked the union songs better than I did the confederate’s.(107)
Part Three. This is the easiest question for a blog yet! I have an answer right off the bat. What I enjoyed the most this year was the story of us videos because they made me feel connected to the actual events in the past. This year has been a game changer for me in my view of history. I think I am considered a history buff now even though that’s not physically but mentally. I have learned so much about the civil war it is not even funny. The only part that made me think secondly about was the gory parts of the story of us videos. Other than that I am pretty happy about this year. Thanks Mr. Haston for the experience of advanced history. (127)
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A.) A.)The musicians were a big part on the battlefield. They were used mainly for inspiration. They also were used as signals or signs. For example, the drummer would probably play different beats for different signals. One signal was that they would play for ‘lights out’ time. Most drummers would have fifers at their aid. However, most musicians were not allowed on the battlefield but were instructed to stay back and help the surgeons. This brings me to answer the last part of that question; I do not believe they should be as proud because they, essentially, were not risking their lives and getting wounded while soldiers were. Don’t get me wrong, they should still be proud because they were serving their country to the best of their ability. (129)
ReplyDeleteB.) B.)Union- I chose the first song on the list. The songs were used to prove a point and show people who was right. For instance, in the song I chose, the lyrics say ‘Always stand on the Union side, a battle for the right’ they were basically throwing it out they were right and the Confederates where wrong. The songs were also sort of informative like they told the world what they believe in like when it says ‘We’ll soon rejoice far and wide to see secession die’. I could not answer the question about the sound because sound isn’t working on this computer. (106)
Confederate- I chose the confederate song Goober Peas. This song reads to be sort of like a folk song to keep the soldiers happy and laughing like they were singing this with a smile and their audience laughing and pitching in here and there. Like they sing ‘Peas, peas, peas, peas’ I even smile while reading that! Anyways, I see how both the union and confederate songs were passed down because some were catching and also used as history like how we see them today. The music gives us an inside view on what the soldiers’ lives were like. (100)
C.) C.)I love doing the blogs, if I don’t forget them. They really help me to understand what the topic is about and it is a different way of learning with something new every week. Actually this week’s was a very good one to me (probably because it was so long) because it did give me a inside look like music was the People’s magazine back in the day. I also loved the debates we did this year in class because it was good to pull information from my classmates who probably saw something I haven’t seen. Over all, the blogs and debates were all good in my American-history class. Going to miss 8th grade. (116)
Music was very important in the Civil War. I had never thought that music was a part of the war until now. Both the North and South had bands for the regiments, but many were disbanded. Like many things, there were better and more experienced musicians and instruments in the North rather than the South. Many times after the battles the South would pick up the superior instruments from the fallen union soldiers/musicians. General Jackson, General Lee, and General Longstreet were said to like the music played in the camps very much. Drummers were used for more than just enjoyment of the music. They beat out rhythms to signal roll call, sick call, and even communications from the generals. Not all musicians were allowed on the battlefield though; some had to stay in the field hospitals to assist the surgeons. I think the musicians were just as important as the soldiers because they helped relay information from the generals.
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For the Union song I chose “When This Cruel War Is Over”. This song is about the sadness of leaving loved ones behind to go to war. It says “When this cruel war is over, praying that we meet again” which I would interpret as they knew they had to leave their relatives and friends to fight for their county that they loved, but they hoped and prayed that they could see them after the war if they hadn’t perished. It’s a very sorrowful song, and I think it would make the soldiers think of home and probably feel wistful.
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It wouldn't let me listen to the music so I just read the lyrics.
For the Confederate song I chose “The South Shall Rise Up Free”. The song says that if things were to go the right way then the South will surely win the war. This song is very hopeful about the outcome of the war and states that as sure as God has the power the South will win the war. It says that it will trust destiny that they will win. It also shows the South’s dedication to the cause and pride they had in being a soldier. Overall it shows that the South was very confident of their victory at the beginning of the war
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I loved doing the blog this year; it was a great privilege I had to be in the Advanced class and participate in the blog. I don't think just one thing has impacted me this year, I think it is all of what we have done throughout this year. I learned so much about the history of America and discovered much about the “American Spirit”. The United States of America has come such a long way as a county. From being composed strictly of Native Americans to the settlement of Jamestown to setting up our system of government to reuniting the union in the Reconstruction Era, America has come a long way. I enjoyed charting our country’s history this school year and will carry what I learned with me this year throughout my life.
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Music was a huge part of the Civil war. Music helped the generals get people to sign up. It also gave the troops commands while around the camp such as when to go to bed or get up or get food etc. Not only were they good for simple tasks but they also gave a boost of morale to the men. The fife and drum players should have been considered to be equal to soldiers because they went into the battles without weapons and gave the generals orders to the soldiers the whole time they were there. It takes bravery to do something like that. 105
ReplyDeleteThe song I chose for the union was John Brown’s Body. This was a song about how John Brown died and why. It explains that he gave his life for the slaves even though he could have just left it alone. To the people of this time, this gave the people of the north a reason to fight, not only to free the slaves, but also to get payback to the south people for killing their leader of the abolitionist movement. This song is one of the most influential because it was a battle call to the people of the north. 102
The song I chose for the Confederacy was Somebody’s Darling. This is a song about how when a man dies on the battlefield, someone back home has to lose someone they loved. This was one of the hardest parts of the war. Losing those you love. This song was a reason to end the war for the north and a reason for the south to give up. It was a reminder that every day that they kept fighting, the more people that would be killed and the more people that would be hurt by the fighting. A sad song really. 101
After a long time of thinking I have come to the conclusion that the most impacting part of this class was learning of just what kind of man Andrew Jackson was. I had always thought that he was a great man who did everything to better America and help its people. After this year, I learned that he was really just a man that was stubborn and did what he wanted when he wanted no matter the cost. I was most surprised at his reasoning for killing the bank. It wouldn’t have affected him had not his mortal enemy been the president of the bank. He was putting his own personal life against the whole United States! This was most depressing and made me think of what this country could be without him. All I know is that it probably would be better. 143
P.S. thanks so much for the great class this year Mr. H. Hope to have another class.
I think that the music on and off the battle field during the Civil War played a big role. It settled the whole mindset for each side, both Union and Confederate. For the music on the battlefield, it reminds me almost of being at a concert. It's often really loud and you can sometimes actually feel the music inside your chest. Music can influence us in a lot of ways, and maybe the soldiers having the beating of the drum is what kept them going. I don't think that the people in charge of the instrument were quite as important as soldiers, but they did have in important part during the fights.
ReplyDeleteFor the Union song, I chose "Always Stand on the Union Side." In this song, it talks about how the people of the Union know why they are fighting and what they are fighting for. It says 'with conscience clear, we'll laugh at fear.' To me, this is showing that they had no doubt that what they were doing was right and that they would not back down. It also talks in the song about making the nation proud because of fighting for what they thought was right. In it, they pretty much express how right they believe they are and how silly you must have to be to think that the Confed's were up to anything good.
For the Confed song I chose "Cheer, Boys, Cheer!" This song was basically talking about how proud the Confederates were of themselves. The song was influencing the soliders and pretty much all the South to be proud! In the song it said to let the Confederate flag fly high until the wind straightens out the folds, meaning, they were gonna let anything take down they're pride or hope. They were gonna raise their flag high and proud and just not care what the Union thought, or did.
I think the most interesting thing I've learned during our Civil War learning period was the faith of each side. Either side of the war that you look at, Noth or South, all you see is pure pride in what they are doing. In the bloodiest war in American history, you might expect to see a bit more fear! Yet, all you hear and see and read is just them being so proud of what they stand for and not doubting a thing. How two completely different views can both be so sure of themselves is baffling!
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ReplyDeleteB)prt 1: 118
prt 2: 99
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