Thunder at the Gates: The Black Civil War Regiments that Redeemed America

by Douglas R. Egerton Narrated by Sean Crisden

Overview

Soon after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, abolitionists began to call for the creation of black regiments. At first, the South and most of the North responded with outrage; southerners promised to execute any black soldiers captured in battle, while many northerners claimed that blacks lacked the necessary courage. Meanwhile, Massachusetts, long the center of abolitionist fervor, launched one of the greatest experiments in American history.



In Thunder at the Gates, Douglas R. Egerton chronicles the formation and battlefield triumphs of the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry and the 5th Massachusetts Cavalry-regiments led by whites but composed of black men born free or into slavery. He argues that the most important battles of all were won on the field of public opinion, for in fighting with distinction the regiments realized the long-derided idea of full and equal citizenship for blacks.



A stirring evocation of this transformative episode, Thunder at the Gates offers a riveting new perspective on the Civil War and its legacy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A thoroughly researched, comprehensive look at the Civil War regiments who took the first step in the struggle to make their countrymen see them as intelligent, capable men." ---Kirkus

From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"A thoroughly researched, comprehensive look at the Civil War regiments who took the first step in the struggle to make their countrymen see them as intelligent, capable men." —Kirkus

APRIL 2017 - AudioFile

The role of the Civil War’s black soldiers, often glossed over in history books, is expertly told in this stirring work. Narrator Sean Crisden speaks authoritatively about the men's courage as they risked everything for freedom. Crisden's measured delivery underscores the importance of this book, which mainly tells the story through individual soldiers, revealing their family histories as well. Crisden effects a distinctive voice for each of the soldiers, giving him a unique identity. The author explains that allowing black soldiers in the military, in addition to being vehemently opposed by the South, was also opposed by some Northerners. Some white Union soldiers felt black men lacked skill and courage. The audiobook concentrates on two regiments from Massachusetts, which includes famous men, notably a luckless descendant of Paul Revere. M.S. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170981502
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	11/01/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos