Civil War
What the Lost Cause narrative masks about Alabama history
Many Alabama officials have for generations pushed the false narrative that residents of the state were nearly unanimous in their support for succession prior to the Civil War. Howell Raines, former executive editor of the New York Times and an Alabama native, says otherwise.
Teaching Tough Topics: Teaching Civil War History In Mississippi As Symbols Fall
In Mississippi, the Civil War still stirs emotions. It’s not so much that teachers disagree on how it should be taught, but that ongoing attempts by the University of Mississippi and several cities across the South to shed Confederate symbols have called up old ghosts. Sandra Knispel reports for the Southern Education Desk.
An International History of the American Civil War
Americans tend to think of the Civil War as a domestic conflict, as a war between brothers. But the war didn’t take place in a vacuum. It had great implications for the international community. University of South Carolina history professor Don Doyle examines the Civil War through an international lens in his book “The Cause of All Nations.” He spoke to WBHM’s Andrew Yeager.
“Confederates in the Attic” Author On The Confederate Flag Debate
The South has been grappling with what to do about Confederate symbols since a gunman shot 9 people at a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, last month. Tony Horwitz, a bestselling author and journalist, spoke with WBHM's Will Dahlberg about Confederate imagery, memorabilia and monuments, and whether the United States should collectively push these pieces of history aside.
Birmingham Officials Move To Relocate Confederate Monument
A Confederate monument that’s stood in Birmingham’s Linn Park for 110 years may be coming down. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board voted unanimously today to have city attorneys see if there’s any impediment to moving the monument.
University of Alabama History Professor Speaks About Cannonballs Found On Campus
It's not every day you stumble upon a 150-year-old relic. But that's what happened last week when a sidewalk repair crew at the University of Alabama uncovered 10 Civil War era cannonballs buried in the ground. The university called in a bomb squad as a precaution but the cannonballs were removed without incident. WBHM's Stephanie Beckett spoke with University of Alabama history professor Harold Selesky about why they probably came from that time period.
NPR’s Cokie Roberts’ New Book, “Capitol Dames,” On The Women Of Civil War Washington
This month marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Much has been written about the men behind the military and political forces on both sides of the conflict. But what about the women’s stories? In her new book, Capitol Dames, Cokie Roberts tells the stories of how American women saw and influenced the war, from the sidelines of battle and the sidelines of political power. Roberts will speak and read from her book Tuesday, April 21 at the Doubletree Hotel in Birmingham. The event is presented by the Alabama Booksmith, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit WBHM.
