A Devil of a Whipping
A Devil of a Whipping

Author: Lawrence E. Babits

Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Press

Published: 2011-02-01

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 0807887668

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The battle of Cowpens was a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War in the South and stands as perhaps the finest American tactical demonstration of the entire war. On 17 January 1781, Daniel Morgan's force of Continental troops and militia routed British regulars and Loyalists under the command of Banastre Tarleton. The victory at Cowpens helped put the British army on the road to the Yorktown surrender and, ultimately, cleared the way for American independence. Here, Lawrence Babits provides a brand-new interpretation of this pivotal South Carolina battle. Whereas previous accounts relied on often inaccurate histories and a small sampling of participant narratives, Babits uses veterans' sworn pension statements, long-forgotten published accounts, and a thorough knowledge of weaponry, tactics, and the art of moving men across the landscape. He identifies where individuals were on the battlefield, when they were there, and what they saw--creating an absorbing common soldier's version of the conflict. His minute-by-minute account of the fighting explains what happened and why and, in the process, refutes much of the mythology that has clouded our picture of the battle. Babits put the events at Cowpens into a sequence that makes sense given the landscape, the drill manual, the time frame, and participants' accounts. He presents an accurate accounting of the numbers involved and the battle's length. Using veterans' statements and an analysis of wounds, he shows how actions by North Carolina militia and American cavalry affected the battle at critical times. And, by fitting together clues from a number of incomplete and disparate narratives, he answers questions the participants themselves could not, such as why South Carolina militiamen ran toward dragoons they feared and what caused the "mistaken order" on the Continental right flank.

Cowpens
Cowpens

Author: Thomas J. Fleming

Publisher: National Park Service Division of Publications

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Recounts the story behind the defeat, of the British forces under Banastre Tarleton by Daniel Morgan's rebels, that helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War in the South. The battlefield, a pasture in North Carolina, is now part of the National Park System. Includes brief notes about related battlegrounds and a list of books for further reading.

A History of Appalachia
A History of Appalachia

Author: Richard B. Drake

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky

Published: 2003-09-01

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0813137934

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Richard Drake has skillfully woven together the various strands of the Appalachian experience into a sweeping whole. Touching upon folk traditions, health care, the environment, higher education, the role of blacks and women, and much more, Drake offers a compelling social history of a unique American region. The Appalachian region, extending from Alabama in the South up to the Allegheny highlands of Pennsylvania, has historically been characterized by its largely rural populations, rich natural resources that have fueled industry in other parts of the country, and the strong and wild, undeveloped land. The rugged geography of the region allowed Native American societies, especially the Cherokee, to flourish. Early white settlers tended to favor a self-sufficient approach to farming, contrary to the land grabbing and plantation building going on elsewhere in the South. The growth of a market economy and competition from other agricultural areas of the country sparked an economic decline of the region's rural population at least as early as 1830. The Civil War and the sometimes hostile legislation of Reconstruction made life even more difficult for rural Appalachians. Recent history of the region is marked by the corporate exploitation of resources. Regional oil, gas, and coal had attracted some industry even before the Civil War, but the postwar years saw an immense expansion of American industry, nearly all of which relied heavily on Appalachian fossil fuels, particularly coal. What was initially a boon to the region eventually brought financial disaster to many mountain people as unsafe working conditions and strip mining ravaged the land and its inhabitants. A History of Appalachia also examines pockets of urbanization in Appalachia. Chemical, textile, and other industries have encouraged the development of urban areas. At the same time, radio, television, and the internet provide residents direct links to cultures from all over the world. The author looks at the process of urbanization as it belies commonly held notions about the region's rural character.

Living a Big War in a Small Place
Living a Big War in a Small Place

Author: Philip N. Racine

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781611172973

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Most of what we know about how the Civil War affected life in the Confederacy is related to cities, troop movements, battles, and prominent political, economic, or military leaders. Far less is known about the people who lived in small Southern towns remote from marching armies or battles. Philip N. Racine explores life in one such place--Spartanburg, South Carolina--in an effort to reshape the contours of that great conflict. By 1864 life in most of the Confederacy, but especially in rural towns, was characterized by scarcity, high prices, uncertainty, fear, and bad-tempered neighbors. Shortages of food were common. People lived with constant anxiety that a soldiering father or son would be killed or wounded. Taxes were high, inflation was rampant, good news was scarce and seemed to always be followed by bad. The slave population was growing restive as their masters' bad news was their good news. Army deserters were threatening lawlessness; accusations and vindictiveness colored the atmosphere and added to the anxiety, fear, and feeling of helplessness. Often people blamed their troubles on the Confederate government in faraway Richmond, Virginia. Racine provides insight into these events through personal stories: the plight of a slave; the struggles of a war widow managing her husband's farm, ten slaves, and seven children; and the trauma of a lowcountry refugee's having to forfeit a wealthy, aristocratic way of life and being thrust into relative poverty and an alien social world. All were part of the complexity of wartime Spartanburg District.

A History of the United States
A History of the United States

Author: Cecil Chesterton

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2024-10-24

Total Pages: 227

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Step into the pages of American history with Cecil Chesterton's masterful account in A History of the United States. This captivating narrative takes you through the key events, triumphs, and challenges that shaped the nation from its founding to the modern era. Chesterton offers a unique perspective on America's growth, highlighting the pivotal moments that defined its journey. From the Declaration of Independence to the complexities of modern-day politics, this book provides an insightful look into the making of one of the most influential nations in the world.But what makes this history stand out? How did a small group of colonies become the global power we know today? Chesterton’s exploration offers surprising answers that will make you rethink America's rise and its lasting impact on the world. Through detailed research and thoughtful analysis, Chesterton paints a vivid picture of America's evolution. The book doesn’t just recount events; it dives into the ideas, people, and movements that shaped the nation’s destiny, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and students alike. Are you ready to uncover the forces that shaped the United States?This is not just a history book; it's a deep dive into the soul of America. Whether you're a history buff or a curious reader, this book offers something for everyone. Chesterton’s narrative will inspire you to look at America’s past with a fresh perspective. Don’t wait—start your journey through American history today. Buy A History of the United States and discover the remarkable story of this great nation.