The Brothers' War

"The Brothers' War" by John C. Reed, is a historical exploration of the American Civil War, examining the deep divisions between the North and South, especially the disputes over slavery. The book provides a comprehensive look at how differing viewpoints pushed the nation towards war. Beginning with a preface designed to eliminate biases, Reed looks at the economic, political, and social environments that widened the gap between the two regions, calling attention to the hypocritical views of both Northern and Southern leaders regarding slavery. His words show a desire for healing and comprehension between the conflicting parties, building the groundwork for following chapters to examine the complex forces that triggered the war; he looks to give a fair representation aimed at encouraging analytical thought on the delicate subjects of race, government, and American national identity.