Harper's Weekly was the most popular newspaper during the Civil War, and it featured stunning illustrations, and in depth stories on all the important people and events of the war. For this week's blog assignment, analyze and evalutate material from this important primary source following the directions below:
1. Actively read any issue from the online archive of Harpers' papers from 1861-65. (These papers are 4-6 pages long and include photographs and advertisements.) The papers are available for view at:http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/the-civil-war.htm
2. Summarize two articles and/or cartoons related to the war published in this edition (be sure to indicate the date and page of each source.) What insight do these articles provide into the issues most important to Harper's Weekly readers at this time? What are the authors and/or artists' positions on the war?
3. Conclude by discussing the impact you believe papers like Harpers' Weekly had on the war.
This post is due by Friday, 1/11 at 7 a.m. 200 word minimum. Remember to respond to at least one classmates post.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/the-civil-war.htm
15 comments:
Teresa Konopka
AP US
Harpers Weekly was an incredible news source back in the late nineteenth century. Even though the publication tended to gear towards Unionism over Confederate sentiments, it delivered journalistic zeal in midst of the Civil War. The March 4, 1865 issue is particularly invigorating. This issue discusses the fall of Charleston (Confederate), and adulates the anti-slavery Douglass.
The Charleston article (page 130 in the upper left corner) talks of Confederate states as “seeds of insurrection.” The reporter claims that “states of treason” were doomed to fail. The Confederacy has already fallen at this time, and the Unionists are gloating. After all, they have defeated the Confederacy, stating that too many innocent women and children down South were dying for silly reasons. Less crops and homes would be destroyed, the reporter discusses, if the South had never rivaled the North. The article shines with an attitude of hubris. This large ego was definitely inflated even more when the Union defeated the Confederacy and lowered their Southern flag of treason.
In the Sea Island Order (starting on 130 and continuing on 131), Sherman’s policies are poked at. Apparently, during the Civil War, he marched through Georgia. There, his army went through plantations and damaged them, even burning homes along the way. In the article, it is stated that Douglass wanted to rid of slavery altogether. It is important that Stephen Douglass not be confused with Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass, as mentioned in Harpers Weekly, was against slavery, while Stephen Douglass was for it. Meanwhile, the article shows how former slaves and other blacks should be left alone. White men have no business meddling in the affairs of them, Douglass adds. “The proposition of Mr. Douglass is that white citizens shall not impose their whims upon black.” In his opinion, the black race has suffered enough.
In terms of the Civil War, Harpers Weekly had an effect. The publication definitely pushed for more Union support, oftentimes making cheap jabs at Confederates. The writing make the Confederates seem inhuman and merely capable of foolish treason.
Question to AP peers:
Do you feel that Harpers Weekly often sided with Unionists because that was where industry was and where more papers would sell; or do you think they truly supported the Union?
Harper's Weekly was the most popular newspaper during the Civil War, and it featured stunning illustrations, and in depth stories on all the important people and events of the war. Thanks to Harper's Weekly the American Civil War was the first to be largely publicized as journalists were scattered across both the North and the South to cover the war. Also, people paid because journalism was a new way to communicate faster. Newspaper companies took in huge profits because a large amount of the population could or was learning to read and many were interested to see how the war could impact them.
"The Civil War" article (pg.258) of April 27, 18 is about Lincoln declaring war against the Gulf States. "...men must take their sides, and hold to them." The author prepares the reader for a landslide victory for the North as he greatly doubts the South. The Civil War will be a calamity. So far 90,000 troops have been deployed by the United States Government but plans call for over 200,000. The Southerners are also tracking down soldiers of their own. There numbers are 7,000.
On the front page of VOL. VIII. No. 378 there is an article covering the death Colonel Ulric Dahlgren. Along with 100 other men his body was subsequently carried by the rebels into Richmond. The south claimed to not have the body. Here is a perfect example of early American terroristic acts of capturing and torturing the enemy for bribes.
Since Harper's was pro Union and their papers were wildly delivered mostly in the North this paper greatly impacted the way people's opinions changed and it could have even had an affect on the Northern win. (Also a reflection to Teresa)
Elizabeth Che
Block H - AP US History
Although Harper’s Weekly was a newspaper during the Civil War, it surprisingly contained interesting stories/articles and marvelous realistic illustrations that I was not expecting, considering the lack of technology during the early 1860s when compared to the equipment of modern time. Like other newspapers, Harper’s Weekly did not only focus on the war but also other events that were occurring on American soil.
Volume VIII, Number 382's issue of Harper’s Weekly, dated Saturday, April 23, 1864 presented a story about the death of a soldier who wanted to hear the contents of a letter read to him before his death. “Home-News in Battle-Time,” located on the upper left hand corner of page 258 was set on a war torn battlefield where “...a group of soldiers knelt Around a comrade, lying calm and white, A stain of flowing blood upon his bayonet-belt, Close by him on the trampled meadow-grass, Beside his musket an unopened letter lay-- A message from from the home which now, alas! Must be forever dark because of this sad day.” Since the author did not mention whether the soldier was from the Confederate or Union, it may be intentional that the soldier represented all of the heros on the battlefield. Although this piece of literature did not present factual details, the reader may feel sympathy for the dying and relate to the families of the unfortunate. This story could be used to gather support for the soldiers on the battlefield and create a sense of unity between the states; as every soldier whose life was diminished, were not mere tools of violence but members of the community, who had lives of their own and others waiting for their return. The author may have written this story in favor of ending the war but knowing the war will not end any time soon, wrote to honor those who perished. “The night shades folding all in mantles dun and gray. There, where he fell, they scooped a shallow grave, And with her letter on his heart, so cold and calm, Left him to wait the roll-call of the brave...”
Meanwhile, “The Amendment to the Constitution” found on the right hand side of page 258 of Volume VIII, Number 382's issue of Harper’s Weekly, dated Saturday, April 23, 1864 contained factual information on the proposition of an amendment to the Constitution in which slavery was to prohibited in the United States. With an outcome of 38 to 6, the Senate of the United States are to have another vote in spring to determine the future outcome of the proposed amendment. The article then notes brief speeches brought up by the voters. As expected, individuals who were pro-slavery and individuals who were anti-slavery held clashing beliefs. Mr Davis of Kentucky for example, states that “the constitution abolition of slavery a wicked and unjust act...” whereas those in favor would say and believe the opposite. This article was written as an informative piece to allow the readers to be aware of a possible new amendment. The author’s position seemed hopeful despite the destruction caused by the Civil War.“The innumerable hearts that are broken, the countless homes that are desolate in our own land, and the earnest friends in other countries who understand the scope of the struggle, will own that when the great act initiated by the Senate is completed, the costly sacrifice of youth and hope and love is not in vain, and that the future of equal justice which this measure secures is well bought by all the blood and sorrow of the war.”
Papers like Harper’s Weekly were written and created to inform the general public of the outcomes of the Civil War. By presenting information, readers were able to judge for themselves and support or decline the war as well as believing in other discussed topics such as slavery. Harper’s Weekly could have also united support groups and other formations in response to the war.
Responding to Teresa’s question, I feel that Harper’s Weekly would side with the North for both the profit and true support. By distributing the paper to the Northern states, Harper’s Weekly would gain more profits and expand in terms of production. However, the success of the newspaper depends on the quality of the work. Even if the paper had a Union view, it needed to be of value to the buyers in order to develop, otherwise, the subscribers could just order another newspaper. By having personal support for the Union, the articles will resonate better with human emotions and attract more responses and action by the public.
Justin Lefkowitz
H Block
AP US HISTORY
Probably the most well known source of the mid nineteenth century for news was Harper’s Weekly. This news publication was where people were able to get their weekly news from, even when they were on the battlefield. This weekly news source was also made for people to also see back at home. The Saturday, August 31, 1861 issue is filled with several pictures that are different from most of the ones seen throughout other issues of Harper’s Weekly. This issue is Volume V, Issue Number 244.
Harper’s Weekly, like every good magazine or newspaper, does not just focus in on one aspect the whole time. Besides focusing on the deadly parts of war, or the outcomes of the war, one of the pictures in Harper’s focuses on what troops do when they are not in war. On page number 557, there is a large picture that illustrates what Union Soldiers did in their free time at Camp Johnson, in Winchester, Virginia. At first glance, it would appear to many like the soldiers are taking part in battle against each other. If we look more closely towards the middle of the picture, the viewer can see a football shaped object in the air. It actually does turn out to be a football. According to the caption this picture shows, “THE FIRST MARYLAND REGIMENT PLAYING FOOT-BALL BEFORE EVENING PARADE.” This photo does not totally focus in on the most import aspects of war, but rather one of the most fun activities played by the soldiers. The artist of this picture tries to portray war as not just blood and death, but also fun and games. This probably changed some of the feelings of the people not fighting back home, and this might have enabled them to make a choice to join the fight against the South. If this is true, the person who drew this picture is a genius when it comes to making pieces of propaganda.
Harper’s Weekly, like almost every news publication of today has a section for comics. On page number 560, the cartoons are located. The cartoon image on the upper left is very different then most of the other images because of the meaning that it conveys. In this image, there is a person holding up the original Confederate Flag of 1861. Not only is the person holding up the original Confederate Flag, the one that only contains seven stars in a circle in its upper left corner, but this person is also stomping on the Union Flag at the same time. This is a disgrace to the United States. The caption for the photo says, “HON. MEMBER FROM NEW YORK. Who cares for National Policy, or Honorable Policy, or Patriotic Policy, or Honest Policy? The Policy I go for is LOTTERY POLICY. That's the Policy for my Money; for it pays." This caption tries to show that all people really care about is money. This is probably why the person in the photo wanted to crush the Union of the United States. Since the Union wanted to take slavery away, there would be a decrease in the amount of money made. This cartoon is trying to show its viewers that if people can’t make money off of slavery, then people would only be able to get rich from the lottery. The artist of this cartoon probably does not support the war because he shows the destruction of the Union Flag. Who thought that the destruction of the Union Flag would be seen in a news publication created in the Union?
In response to Teresa’s question, I do not believe that Harper’s Weekly truly supported the Union. If they did truly support the Union, I do not think that there would be a picture of the Union Flag being stomped on by a person holding a Confederate Flag. I am sure that Harper’s had their headquarters in the Union before war started. As a result, they could publish whatever they wanted, even if it went against the Union, because freedom of press is supported in the Bill Of Rights. If anything, Harper’s Weekly might have supported the Union, but not by too much.
Heather Vale.
Harper’s Weekly illustrates the vast influence media portrays on America and its people. During the Civil War, the struggle with unity was evident amongst all Americans. In this case, newspapers informed the people of America about the details regarding battles, debates and victories. Thus, Harper’s Weekly influenced American citizens greatly, as such articles and cartoons persuaded Americans to think differently about the war. A Harper’s Weekly issue published on September 7, 1861 consists of two political war cartoons that scream unique messages.
One cartoon illustrated on page 576 reveals a man dressed up in what appears to be a maid costume. Perhaps drawn to show a man disguised as a woman, the caption below the cartoon reads “ Costume Suggested for the BRAVE STAY-AT-HOME LIGHT GUARD” Although not accurate, the cartoon seems to have labeled men who did not join the army as feminine or weak. Indeed, at the time joining the military would have been the macho and manly move to take. However, several men were not willing to risk their lives or leave their families at home. The cartoon indicates the immediate label Americans were giving those that did not illustrate the bravery they were suppose to. With a duster at hand and an apron on, the cartoon seems to imply that women should have been the only individuals home during the Civil War. Perhaps the cartoon was drawn to persuade men to join battle, as not one man finds it a compliment to be labeled as a housewife.
In addition, a cartoon found on page 576 illustrates a fat man conversing with a skinny man regarding the joining of War. The skinny man believes the fat man can not be helpful to the war, as his weight deters him from running or any other action. However the fat man insists that he join the War, as it would be a disgrace otherwise. The artists then labels this attitude as “The Right Spirit”. Perhaps the artist believes that all Americans should join the War in fight for their freedom of their country. Thus, any man who stays home and insists on not volunteering his life for freedom should be labeled a coward. This cartoon delivers the same message as the first one, insisting that loyalty goes before anything else.
Nevertheless, this one issue of Harper’s Weekly reveals the power and influence words and pictures had over the people of America. With opinions being freely expressed left and right, Harper’s Weekly portrays a relative source of documents during the beginning, middle and end of the Civil War. Like Justin had mentioned, an illustration of the destruction of a Union flag published in a Union paper must reveals its non-bias views. Thus, the different nationalistic views consisted in the paper gives individuals an in-depth understanding of life, ideas and views during the bloodiest war in America.
John Harden
Block H
Jan. 9th, 2008
During the nineteenth century, one of the many published works of the bustling press was Harper’s Weekly. The Civil War was critically affected by publicly published newspapers and magazines like Harper’s Weekly. Harper’s Weekly would give a number of articles, both opinionated and factual discussing local conflicts and politics. Not only were the articles rich with information, but despite low grade technological advancements of the time, the magazine even included great illustrations and pictures. One particular issue which gave the reader a great deal of information pertaining to the war and those involved was the issue of June 1st, 1861.
One article from the June 1st issue of 1861 was the front cover advertised article on Union Major-General Benjamin F. Butler. At the time of this issue’s publishing the war had just began and an article on one of the head generals gave the public audience a good idea of what the war was being lead by. The author of this article was certainly a supporter of the Union cause as no negative input is made regarding Union General Butler. Although not being able to be interviewed, Butler’s exact positioning at the time of the issue’s publishing is given, “General Butler, at the hour we write, has just left Washington for Fortress Monroe, where he is to command 15,000 men against Virginia.” This article despite being filled with such great information is however, unsafe for the Union as public eye, including Confederates, could see exactly where Generals and important Union leaders were located.
Another article from the June 1st issue of 1861 discusses the story of the first solider to die in the American Civil War. The article is short but includes a picture and a brief description of what happened to the boy with help of both primary and secondary sources. The boy’s name was Luther C. Ladd and he was of only seventeen years of age at the unpleasant time of his death. A wonderfully sketched portrait of Ladd, the boy killed on April. 19th, 1861, is given and shown right above the brief article. Such articles surely increased in size and names given of those who died overtime due to the increasing death toll of the war, leaving the public with a feeling of loss.
Both articles indubitably affected many people in different ways. Confederates who could have gotten hold of the newspaper could have easily learned of important key Union figures locations. The same articles also informed Union supporters of the exact character, past and ideologies their leaders and heroes possessed. Articles giving news on the death toll, which was ever rising at the time of the Civil War helped inform the public of how the battles were turning out. However, although being a possible moral booster knowing that side you support is closer to victory, learning of so many deaths can demoralize certain citizens and lead to a somewhat small decline in support. Harper’s Weekly was certainly an example of how the press and mass media can affect politics during war.
In response to Teresa’s question: I believe the staff of Harper’s Weekly each had their own individual viewpoints, some common with another and some uncommon. The articles written in Harper’s Weekly reflected both Union and Confederate stories on a somewhat equal basis. I do not believe location of the newspapers head quarters in the North had anything to do with their “support” of the Union cause.
Since Harper's Weekly was one of the most popular news sources in the nineteenth century, those who read it were sure up to date with issues within the United States. In fact, it may have influenced people to understand, enlist, or witness the Civil War. The May 25th, 1861 issue presents a letter to Southern readers, on page 322, and an image of a Civil War "Parade", on page 325.
The letter, written by the staff of Harper's Weekly, was addressed to it's Southern readers. Apparently, Harper's received tons of letters from states such as Tennessee and Kentucky that complained about the editorial in the May 4th issue about the bombing of Fort Sumter. Yet, the fact that the editorial was slanderous to the South, it tried not to. It was only attacking those who were involved in the bombing. Plus, some Southerners sent in letters to assassinate the staff of Harper's Weekly. Harper's replied by stating that what they said was constitutional, under the First Amendment.
Next, the image depicts soldiers in Fort Pickens. Some soldiers who survived the bombing of Fort Sumter were congratulated by Colonel Brown, who was also part of the defensive on Sumter's attack.
*A response to Teresa: I believe that Harper's had sided with the Unionists to support the abolishment of slavery. However, going back to what I read, some of the editorials that Harper's had written was rather one sided. I think that the writers of Harper's were trying harder to spread the word than just receiving the paycheck after each issue.
Michelle Shed
AP US History: Block H
January 10, 2008
Harpers Weekly most definitely portray the most crucial aspects of the Civil War. There are many political cartoons that serve as an encouragement for the war, as well as many summative articles. The January 11, 1862 political cartoon is quite captivating. Especially, since the cartoon illustrates the type of military and strategy tactics used during the war.
The Charleston political cartoon on page thirty-one exhibits the fact that during the Civil War, one military tactic that was used was naval force. Yet, by looking at this cartoon, I was able to come to the conclusion that it was the North that was mainly using the naval power. Seventy-two percent of the North was composed of factories. The South’s percentage was a measly twenty-eight. As a result of the North’s great industrialization, they were able to create more machinery and naval forces. Since the North had a greater abundance of factories compared to the South, production was greater as well.
The Charleston political cartoon titled: The Surrender of Fort Donelson, February 16, 1862, is actually an oxy moron, as it portrays the glory and defeat of war. In this image, volume number 270, the Union managed to win a glorious victory in capturing Fort Donelson. However, the Confederacy suffered a major loss when they surrendered the Fort. While the North was proud over their victory, the Confederate soldiers had looks of horror and mortification pronounced on their faces. War is filled with victory and loses. Either way, one side is going to lose.
Harpers Weekly was published to educate the public of how the war was progressing. Harpers Weekly also served as a method of propaganda. Some images fueled victory towards the North, while others fueled anger in the Confederacy. The newspaper’s extremely effective and the articles are extremely informative.
To Teresa: Well, I believe that it’s a little bit of both. The Union detested slavery and as a result, they used journalism to express their distaste and dissatisfaction and their desire to abolish slavery. However, the North was the home of many large cities, where the public used journalism as a moneymaker. Many journalists profited from the war with the amount of articles they published. So, it’s a bit of both.
Ashley Aydin.
AP US – Block H.
The Civil War: Harper’s Weekly
Harper’s Weekly presented many strong feelings against American politics and beliefs during the Civil War period. In the midst of the brutal events, Americans were left to refer to newspapers and reporting sources to become cultured about national affairs. Seeing that the majority of population was divided, Harper’s Weekly served as a feeder of valuable opinions and critic. The editorial, “Mr. Jefferson Davis’ Message”, on page 306 and the sketch, “Reinforcement of Fort Pickens by Company”, on page 312 of the Saturday, May 18, 1861, issue were highly enlightening pieces of personal reflection.
“Mr. Jefferson Davis’ Message” detailed a position on the prominent Mr. Jefferson Davis, himself. As an American official who later became President of the Confederate States of America, Davis promoted points that were often seen as contradictions to his supposed progressive ideals and standards. “If Mr. Davis and his confederates are right in their understanding of the Constitution of the United States, why did they alter it when they adopted a Constitution at Montgomery, and insert the clause ‘each State acting in its separate sovereign capacity?’ Is not this amendment an admission that the old Constitution was not a league among States, but among people? Why, again, does not Mr. Davis make some explanation of the case of Alabama, which State, by special act of its Legislature, declared that it could not secede from the Union without the consent of the United States? Why does he say nothing of Florida and Louisiana, which were bought, or of Texas, which was only secured by force of arms—none of which States can therefore have displayed much sovereignty in becoming members of the Union?” Thus, the article questions Davis’ flawed viewpoint on the Union and his meaning of what statehood and territory policy should rule as.
Likewise, the editorial also portrays the dislike of war. “Heaven knows they have been long-suffering enough. They have submitted to see their forts seized, their revenue-cutters stolen, their arsenals plundered, their citizens outraged, their flag fired upon, their officers exiled, their authority defied and insulted in every possible way. At last they have arisen in their might, and as we write the war has begun. It is a sad, a cruel emergency to all of us.” From the composition, it is clear that a great number of Americans saw beyond the consistent hostility, encouraging peace and unity. Nonetheless, pride and ego between the North and South ruled over the aims of concord.
Moreover, the cartoon, “Reinforcement of Fort Pickens by Company”, depicts a scene of lined troops awaiting combat. With arms and determination, the troops seem eager to clash. The dedication portrayed by the troops in the cartoon served as inspiration to those who weren’t involved in the contest on the front lines. Accordingly, to many Americans, the picture was viewed as the close account to what the troops were truly experiencing.
Wholly, Harper’s Weekly, and other media bases during the Civil War secured foundations of information and hope to the general population. Whether an individual was interested in hearing about battles or politics, the papers covered all aspects of the brutal fighting period. By viewing actual pictures of soldiers, prominent pupils, and noteworthy occurrences, the populace of the United States became more involved with the nation’s affairs than ever before. Through reports, Americans followed their country in the course of embarrassment, betrayal, sectionalism, and coercion. The inhabitants of the states, therefore, looked up to newspapers and informational presentations to become more knowledgeable about the underlying perceptive situations and the future of their homeland. Crucially, news sources provided attention on what many Americans demanded to become familiar.
*John Harden’s view is extremely logical. Newspapers and media sources encouraged Americans to become opinionated and candid. Essentially, the reporting molded a new form of expression and worldliness. New sources, providing the public with critical facts and figures, allowed the American populace to act and aid in national predicaments.
Sarah Berfond
Block H
In the article, accompanying the two drawings of Fort Sumter, published in the February 23, 1861 edition of Harper’s Weekly on pages 116-117, the author describes how women and children bid farewell to their husbands and fathers as they sailed away on the eve of the civil war. There was a great amount of detail describing the emotional scene. As the boat sailed by fort, the soldiers lined up and shot their guns and gave three cheers to their families. The other picture was the interior of the officer’s quarter at the fort and the article states that the soldiers were living well and comfortably. This article shows how Harper’s weekly reported on the events leading up to the civil war and the periodicals obvious alliance with the Union. The article and illustration gives some insight into the events which occurred during the time. It shows that people were interested in the way the war affected the personal lives of the soldiers and their families. There was also an indication that praised the soldiers for their bravery and the families for their patriotism. This type of emotional reporting definitely helped get public support for the Union’s position.
The cartoon, on page 656 of the October 12, 1861 edition of Harper’s Weekly, depicted Senator John C. Breckinridge taking a salary From the United States of America while simultaneously giving information to the provisional president of the confederacy. The caption under the illustration says that Senator Breckinridge’s state, Kentucky, was neutral in the dispute between the Union and the Confederacy. The cartoon gives insight into some of the smaller but relevant issues of the time period. For example, there was an expectation of loyalty from states who were taking money from the United States treasury. Once again Harper’s Weekly’s bias is shown by this portrayal. Clearly, the cartoon shows support for the North as Senator Breckenridge is depicted as a traitor for giving information to the confederacy.
Harper’s Weekly had a tremendous impact on the war. This publication and others like it were one of the only ways people would receive news about the war and the politics associated with it. The lack of any other type of media or visual depiction of what was happening served to raise this periodical’s level of importance.
Response to Heather’s comment- I agree with your comment on how newspapers affected people in America. It is important for every citizen to be informed of what is happening in America, especially during war time. Also, different perspectives and ideas about the war could be spread through newspapers. This allows citizens to voice their opinions and concerns.
Rachel Geissler
January 11, 2008
APUSHistory- HBlock
On the last page of the March 30, 1861 issue of Harper’s Weekly, there’s a cartoon of President Abraham Lincoln tediously working to untangle a knotted ball of yarn. The ball of yarn is labeled “UNION”. The cartoon suggests that the Union’s troubles are as mangled as a knotted ball of yarn. Lincoln’s hat is thrown on the floor and his hatchet is stuck into the floor. The hatchet is a symbol of Lincoln being easily defeated and throwing down the hatchet. This cartoon suggests to readers that the chances of the Union coming through triumphant in the Civil War are quite slim. The author of the cartoon is also suggesting that the Union is trouble filled and unorganized, personifying the Confederacy as the superior section of the divided United States. The presence of the cartoon within this issue of Harper’s Weekly depicts Harper’s view of the North as negative and that it’s important for their readers to know that.
On the last page of the June 29, 1861 issue of Harper’s Weekly, a scene with two African Americans is depicted. Both are dressed in ravished and worn clothing, including ripped shirts and hats and pants that are too short. Both men are donning somewhat dazed and confused facial expressions, probably to suggest that they’re stupid simply because of their race. They’re standing alongside a brick wall. The wall has an opening through which a cannon is sticking out, suggesting that the African Americans in the picture on the Union side. The caption of the image is “CONTRABAND OF WAR.” According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, contraband is a slave who during the American Civil War escaped to or brought within the Union lines. Contraband is also defined as illegal or prohibited traffic in goods or smuggling. The chosen caption for the given cartoon in this issue of Harper’s Weekly shows that Harper’s sees it as important for readers to view African Americans as objects and property, rather than as human beings. The author is obviously portraying their view of anti-abolitionism and trying to inspire the readers to feel the same way.
Papers like Harper’s Weekly had a huge impact on the American Civil War. Papers were the perfect forums for propaganda to be spread rapidly. It was a form of brainwashing. The papers published stories and cartoons that portrayed their own biased views on the war. The readers often relied on certain papers as their sole source of information, thus they were easily persuaded to take the side of the papers. Propaganda was an easy way to fuel the fire of the Civil War and encourage readers to join in the fight.
Gerald Lara jr.
A block Extra credit
Harper’s Weekly, one of the most famous works of publication to hit the United States, was one of the best news source availible to the people in thos times. Harper's Weekly was a major influence upon the war for both sides.Harper’s Weekly gave both opinionated and factual problems and politics views. One of the issue was quite informative about the war and those involved was the issue of June 1st, 1861.
That one article from the 1st of June had the front cover advertised article on Union Major-General Benjamin F. Butler. The author of this article supported the union based on his writing in the article. although this article was filled with a large amount information, the information was a danger to the union including Confederates. This issue pinpointed exactly where some of the generals were located.
Another article from the June 1st issue of 1861 discusses the story of the first solider to die in the American Civil War. The article is short but includes a picture and a brief description of what happened to the boy with help of both primary and secondary sources. The boy’s name was Luther C. Ladd and he was of only seventeen years of age at the unpleasant time of his death. A wonderfully sketched portrait of Ladd, the boy killed on April. 19th, 1861, is given and shown right above the brief article. Such articles surely increased in size and names given of those who died overtime due to the increasing death toll of the war, leaving the public with a feeling of loss.
This article affected people in different matters. Confederates could of used the paper to destroy the union, but failed to retrieve a copy of harper's weekly.
Theresa -E: thoughtful and detailed - compelling question!
Jakub- G: Insightful and specific. More analysis needed to merit an E
Elizabeth - E: Thoughtful work that demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the politics at stake in the US Civil War
Justin - G+ Thoughful work, though I'm of the opinon that the paper DID promote a Unionist perspective - can you find evidence otherwise?
Heather - E-: Interesting analysis of the cartoon.
john
jeremy
sarah
rachel
ashley a
michele
Rachel - G+: thoughtful and detailed post
Jeremy - G+ : Specific and analytical work - love the hyperlinks - they're they new citation!
Michele - E-: Thoughtful work that reflects an in-depth understanding of the conflict.
John- E: Detailed, specific and analytical. Interesting response to Theresa.
Ashley A.- E- Very thorough summary of the sources and events they represented in the news.
Sarah - E: Thorough and well supported work.
Gerald - E.C. (G) This post shows me that you have the potential to be regularly producing thoughtful, analytical work on our class blog, and yet many of yoru assignments have been short/ missing requirements. I hope to see more insightfulness of this caliber from you in the upcoming term.
Margaret Scalesci
Block-H
A.P. U.S. History
Harper’s Weekly was a very important factor of life during this time. Many things were happening and this newspaper was a good source of information for the entire country. This gave a way for everyone to keep in the know and always know what was going on. Harper’s Weekly is a successful newspaper that’s job was to inform the citizens of the United States what was happening with the Civil War among other things.
A very sad time during this time period was when President Lincoln was assassinated. In the April 29, 1865 edition of Harper’s Weekly, there is a cartoon about the assassination of Lincoln. He was the country’s leader and America was in shock that his life was taken. This cartoon shows liberty kneeling by Lincoln’s, because she is heartbroken that he is gone. It seems that lady liberty was on Lincoln’s side and that she really believed in him. This is an important message because it shows that liberty was important to Abraham Lincoln, which it was because he wanted freedom for the slaves and wanted the country to unite. Then either side of the coffin there is a union navy soldier and a union soldier, who both are grieving over the loss of their leader and commander. This just shows that many people were affected by Lincoln’s death.
Another cartoon mocks the men who stay home during the Civil War. This picture shows a man dressed up as a woman, which is an insult because it is saying that the men who stayed back were weak. The man has a dress on and a feather duster, which is supposed to portray him as a coward. This was the message they were trying to get across.
Overall this newspaper was an important part of the time because it helped everyone to keep updated. An important role in society is what this newspaper did.
In response to Heather-
I really liked that cartoon with the man dressed up because it really showed how people were feeling at the time. This was a perfect cartoon because it was very insulting to the men that stayed back. Society expected them to fight in the war and if they didn’t their identities would be crushed. This is a little bit harsh because people shouldn’t have to feel like they are forced into doing something. They should be able to choose.
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