The Civil War In Maryland Reconsidered: Conflicting Worlds

When one thinks of the Civil War, typically the battlefields of Gettysburg or Antietam come to mind. However, the state of Maryland has its own unique story to tell when it comes to the Civil War. Often overshadowed by their neighboring states, Maryland's role in the conflict was far from insignificant. In fact, it was a hotbed of conflicting worlds that shaped the course of the war.

The Confederate Sympathizers

Although Maryland was a border state, it remained part of the Union during the Civil War. However, that doesn't mean all Marylanders were supportive of the Union cause. There was a significant presence of Confederate sympathizers in the state, particularly in the southern regions. Maryland was a slave state, and many residents felt a cultural and economic connection to the South. Some even joined Confederate units and fought against the Union. This internal conflict created a divide within Maryland itself, with families torn apart by their loyalties.

The Baltimore Riots

One notable event that showcased Maryland's conflicting worlds was the Baltimore Riots of 1861. When Union troops passed through Baltimore on their way to defend Washington, D.C., they were met with hostile crowds. The residents of Baltimore, largely sympathetic to the Southern cause, attacked the troops and sparked a violent clash. The riots resulted in several casualties and highlighted the deep divisions within Maryland. It also led to the federal government imposing martial law in the city, further fueling tensions.

The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered (Conflicting Worlds: New Dimensions of the American Civil War)

by Charles W. Mitchell(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2649 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	470 pages

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Political Chessboard

Politically, Maryland was a chessboard during the Civil War. The state had a pro-Union governor, Thomas Hicks, who sought to maintain Maryland's allegiance to the Union. However, there were also powerful pro-Southern figures in the state legislature who tried to push Maryland towards secession. Ultimately, Hicks' efforts and the presence of Union troops helped keep Maryland from officially seceding. The political jockeying showcased the delicate balance of power and influence at play in Maryland during the war.

The Battle of Antietam

While Gettysburg may be the most well-known battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Antietam fought in Maryland was the bloodiest single day in American history. On September 17, 1862, Union and Confederate forces clashed near the town of Sharpsburg. The battle resulted in over 23,000 casualties, highlighting the devastating toll of the war. Antietam was a turning point as well, as it provided President Lincoln with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the freedom of slaves in Confederate territories.

The Legacy and Commemoration

The legacy of the Civil War in Maryland continues to shape the state's identity. Several sites of historical significance are preserved, including Antietam National Battlefield and the Maryland Historical Society. These locations serve as reminders of the conflicting worlds that existed within the state during the war. Additionally, Maryland hosts numerous reenactments and events to commemorate the Civil War and honor those who fought and suffered during that tumultuous period.

The Civil War in Maryland was a complex and layered conflict. It involved Confederate sympathizers, the Baltimore Riots, political maneuvering, the Battle of Antietam, and a lasting legacy of commemoration. Maryland may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of the Civil War, but its story offers valuable insights into the various perspectives and divisions that defined America's most significant conflict. By reconsidering the conflicting worlds of Maryland during the Civil War, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of this pivotal time in our nation's history.

The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered (Conflicting Worlds: New Dimensions of the American Civil War)

by Charles W. Mitchell(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2649 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	470 pages

FREE

CONTENTS:

, Jean H. Baker and Charles W. Mitchell

“Border State, Border War: Fighting for Freedom and Slavery in Antebellum Maryland,” Richard Bell

“Charity Folks and the Ghosts of Slavery in Pre–Civil War Maryland,” Jessica Millward

“Confronting Dred Scott: Seeing Citizenship from Baltimore,” Martha S. Jones

“‘Maryland Is This Day . . . True to the American Union’: The Election of 1860 and a Winter of Discontent,” Charles W. Mitchell

“Baltimore’s Secessionist Moment: Conservatism and Political Networks in the Pratt Street Riot and Its Aftermath,” Frank Towers

“Abraham Lincoln, Civil Liberties, and Maryland,” Frank J. Williams

“The Fighting Sons of ‘My Maryland’: The Recruitment of Union Regiments in Baltimore, 1861–1865,” Timothy J. Orr

“‘What I Witnessed Would Only Make You Sick’: Union Soldiers Confront the Dead at Antietam,” Brian Matthew Jordan

“Confederate Invasions of Maryland,” Thomas G. Clemens

“Achieving Emancipation in Maryland,” Jonathan W. White

“Maryland’s Women at War,” Robert W. Schoeberlein

“The Failed Promise of Reconstruction,” Sharita Jacobs Thompson

“‘F––k the Confederacy’: The Strange Career of Civil War Memory in Maryland after 1865,” Robert J. Cook