Chapter two dealt with day-to-day life events. We might have read this information and reflected upon our own lives. You are an expert in modern American society, you live it everyday. Making modern connections to Civil War civilians is a great way to hook a crowd. Folks will be more interested to engage you in a topic if you show them how Civil War civilians were similar to them.
Chapter II also talked about how the nation was an agrarian society. Because of this, I've included some videos for you to watch. These Civil War Digital Digest videos talk about farm tools. It would be good for us to have some information about harvesting since the society was agrarian. Enjoy.
The image above comes from the collection of Juanita Leisch. She said "Here is photo of domestics at Harvard, one of photos taken for Year Book inclusion." You can see how the staff dressed, presented themselves, and included their tools of the trade for the picture.
Assignment Instructions
In the comments below, please answer the following questions and respond to someone else's comment.
1. What information could use from this chapter to make a connection with a spectator at an event? How would you use it?
2. What sources of information would be best for providing more information on 1860's professions/trades?
3. What other connections can you make between contemporary society and Civil War society?
Please post your comments within a week, so we have the following week to make responses. Please read Chapter III: Civilian Influences in the Military by March 1st and return on that day for the next installment of this exciting discussion.
Thank you for participating.
Den Bolda