Embedded Files
The American Civil War was defined just as much by music as it was by conflict. Both sides used music to boost soldier morale (Battle Hymn of the Republic, The Bonnie Blue Flag) and rally citizens to support the war efforts (Dixie, Battle Cry of Freedom), but in addition to this, songs were written about ordinary soldier experiences (Goober Peas), major events before and during the conflict (John Brown's Body, Marching Through Georgia), and the postwar lives of soldiers (When Johnny Comes Marching Home). The songs also covered multiple perspectives; in addition to songs written from the perspective of Union and Confederate troops, songs were even written from the perspectives of enslaved people, whose very freedom hung in the balance of who won the war. Songs described the everyday reality of life on the front lines as well as aspects of the conflict not directly related to fighting. Overall, the Civil War changed the way music was used in wartime, and songs became a way of recounting history and showing the experiences of soldiers instead of just being morale boosters and propaganda tunes
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse