Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist, who lived from 1819 to 1892. Although he did not directly serve in the Civil War, his works are considered among the most influential reflections of the event.
Whitman observed the pain caused by the literary carnage from his home in Jersey City. Never one to shy away from controversy, he played an integral part in helping injured soldiers, visiting the hospitals and writing articles to give the public a glimpse into the condition of the wounded soldiers.
Whitman’s epic poem “Leaves of Grass,” written in 1855, fully focused on praise and admiration of the Union soldiers. Not only did the poem add a sense of patriotism to a battle-ridden nation, but it was also comprised of short dirges and elegies that mourned the death of the enlisted men.
One of Whitman’s most famous poetic works that fully captures the war is “Drum-Taps,” written during and immediately following the Civil War. This poem, composed of two sections, portrays Whitman’s introspective views on war and, more specifically, serves as a memorial for all of the pain the Union faced during the Civil War.
Notably, Whitman wrote “Beat! Beat! Drums!” as a gnawing reflection on the reality of death in the Civil War. This specific poem contains description of battle, an appreciation for Union soldiers, and is a tribute for those soldiers that lost their lives. After the first and second sections, Whitman notes how war should never be perceived positively and how it is full of destruction and pain.
As a testament to his humanism, Whitman wrote “O Captain! My Captain!” in 1865, in honor of Abraham Lincoln. In particular, the poem is a prominent reminder of the sweeping changes that took place during the Civil War. The poem’s final stanza describes the ghostly appearance of Lincoln, showing how the Civil War left a suffering nation traumatized with the loss of its leader.
In conclusion, although Whitman did not directly serve in the Civil War, his works are considered among the most influential reflections of the event, and his works serve as a timeless tribute to the soldiers and leaders of the Union.
Long Term Effects of the War
The long-term effects of the Civil War were far-reaching, as it had significantly altered the economic and social landscape of America. The loss of life and destruction of property caused by the war devastated the country and the economy, leading to prolonged economic, social and political instability.
In financial terms, the Southern debt almost quadrupled during the War, while the US government’s debt similarly rose to an estimated $2.77 billion. Railroads in the South had been destroyed, meaning the South experienced rapid deterioration of its transportation network. Additionally, the Southern banking system was eventually dismantled, partially as a result of the great damage caused by the war.
Moreover, The war resulted in the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery and the Fourteenth Amendment which gave full citizenship rights to African-Americans. Although slavery had been eliminated, the civil rights of African-Americans were still greatly restricted in the Southern states, and it took multiple decades for the country to address this injustice through the Civil Rights Movement.
Finally, the act of Reconstruction also made governmental changes to the Union, as the South had been placed under military rule and the election of officials to the House of Representatives was no longer based on a statewide tally.
Cultural Impact of the War
The Civil War had a profound impact on the culture of America. Following the War, a wave of sentimentality towards the fallen soldiers and the end of slavery pervaded popular culture. This sentimentality is reflected in the re-emergence of the patriotic spirit of America, as well as a sense of unity and togetherness that had not been seen before the Civil War.
Additionally, the cult of mourning that was present during the War is still felt today, as the deaths of almost 600,000 Union soldiers and officers is remembered through memorials and monuments in multiple places. One of the most powerful reminders of the War is the Gettysburg Address, delivered by Abraham Lincoln in November 1863 when dedicating a national cemetery in which Union soldiers were buried.
In the arts, the Civil War is considered a seminal moment. During the 19th and 20th centuries, literature, architecture, and visual arts in the United States were greatly influenced by the Civil War and its aftermath. For example, the Impressionist painter Winslow Homer, who had witnessed the War firsthand, created some of the most evocative works of art from the period.
Meanwhile, Walt Whitman used his writings to capture the aspirations and struggles of Americans, which helped restore a sense of pride and optimism in the nation. His legacy survives through his poems, which still inspire readers today.
Socio-Political Impact of the War
The Civil War had a tremendous impact on the socio-political landscape of America. The Reconstruction period that followed the war was a highly contested and emotionally charged time, during which the Union tried to reunite after four long years of war and the South tried to rebuild.
The Republicans, led by Abraham Lincoln, emerged as the victors of the political struggle. This success enabled the Republican Party to significantly extend its political power and create a new social order. Since, the Republicans controlled the Union government and the majority of the central states, they also had the power to establish new laws and reform the government.
In contrast, the Reconstruction process was extremely challenging for the South, as the region faced the enormous challenge of rebuilding their economy and social structures. In addition, the South was forced to accept the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery. This in turn resulted in the emergence of the Democratic Party in the South, as the party focused on protecting the interests of the former slaveowners.
Thus, both the Union and the Confederacy experienced tremendous political, economic, and social changes as a result of the Civil War.
Impact of the War on African-Americans
The Civil War had an immense impact on African-Americans, as it signaled a period of revolution in terms of the legal status of African-Americans. The African-American community had long been at an immense crossroads regarding their legal and social standing in America, and the Civil War presented them with a momentous opportunity to fight for freedom and equality.
The Fifteenth Amendment ensured African-Americans the right to vote and gave them political power; while the Reconstruction Acts enabled African-Americans to become educated, own land and participate in local government. Many former slaves also experienced rapid emancipation, as they were able to move out of the South and live as free men and women in the North.
Meanwhile, those who chose to remain in the South faced extreme hostility from white society. Despite this discrimination, the African-American community took advantage of their newfound freedoms and began establishing schools, churches and businesses.
Finally, due to the widespread optimism of the African-American community and the period of reform that followed the Civil War, African-Americans were able to overcome many of the sociocultural barriers of the time and pursue their dreams.
Political Turnaround After the War
After the conclusion of the Civil War, the Union made ambitious attempts to bring the nation together and heal the economic and social wounds inflicted by the war. In particular, the legislative acts passed by Congress during the Reconstruction period marked an important political and cultural transformation.
The Reconstruction Acts, which mandated an end to the secession of the South and the freeing of the slaves, shaped the nation’s economic and social policies. Likewise, the Fourteenth Amendment granted full citizenship rights to the former slaves, allowing them to take part in the democratic process.
Moreover, the Fifteenth Amendment gave African-Americans the right to vote, and prompted the emergence of strong African-American political leaders, such as Robert Smalls. This Amendment was seen as a major victory for the African-American community, as it gave them a larger voice in the political process.
The Fifteenth Amendment also helped shape the voting standards for future generations, and was a signal of a new era for the nation. It allowed African-Americans, for the first time, to participate in the political process and made a lasting impact on the nation’s history.
