Well here’s the instructions for my first paper in my Civil War graduate class:
PAPER#1: Did cavalry play a decisive role in the American Civil War?
A question was once presented to me by a professor in a graduate class: Civil War cavalry, precursor to blitzkrieg or military anachronism? It was an interesting question ten years ago and still is today. Some of the most famous commanders and intriguing personalities of the war were cavalrymen: Jeb Stuart, Nathan Bedford Forrest, John Buford, Ben Grierson, Philip Sheridan, etc. Despite their fame, were they a decisive factor in the battles in which they were participants? In an 8-10 page report you may select one or multiple commanders, reference a specific battle, or refer to Civil War cavalry in general. Your approach is entirely up to you.
I have to admit that the question should be interesting to research, but that I wanted something else for a first paper. I’m thinking I might have to give Eric a buzz, especially since three of his books are suggested reading for this assignment.
Chris,
Feel free.
It didn’t start out that way, but by 1865, it certainly was…..
Eric
Thanks Eric! I am also starting to become very aware of your importance in the field of Civil War military history, especially cavalry. Both you and Petruzzi’s articles and books were well represented in our reading list. I’m looking forward to learning about the cavalry, which I honestly have read very little about! I hope all is well with you.
C
Chris,
I’m flattered.
If I can be of assistance to you in answering any of these questions, or in fleshing things out, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Eric