The Great “What Ifs” of the American Civil War

“Wholeheartedly embracing the direction Emerging Civil War is taking with this exciting new volume, I ask the ‘What If ’ question with the groups I take to the First Day at Chancellorsville battlefield, preserved by the American Battlefield Trust. To counter a developer’s claims that ‘nothing important’ happened on that hallowed ground, I counter that future events were dramatically changed by Joe Hooker’s one decision to abandon that high ground and pull back to the crossroads. Far from being a frivolous exercise, this type of study deepens our knowledge of the actual events and helps us understand their significance in new and intriguing ways.” ~David Duncan, President, American Battlefield Trust

“The Great ‘What Ifs’ of the American Civil War is truly a gift to devoted arm-chair historians. This thought-provoking and entertaining collection of essays explores in-depth questions that have haunted Civil War historiography: What if Stonewall Jackson had lived? What if Lincoln had dodged the assassin’s bullet? What if Lee had waged guerrilla warfare in April 1865? We will never know the answers with certainty, but this fascinating volume moves us as close as we will probably ever get. Highly recommended!” ~Gordon C. Rhea, author of the 5-volume series on the Overland Campaign

“The Great ‘What Ifs’ is a lively and engaging examination of those perennial ‘second guesses’ no student of the war fails to appreciate. No ‘pie in the sky’ here—each exploration is firmly rooted in fact, with a keen appreciation of context, providing provocative insight without sacrificing history. Readers might be surprised at some of the conclusions, but I think they will also be thoroughly entertained.” ~David A. Powell, author of the award-winning series 'The Chickamauga Campaign'

“Editors Chris Mackowski and Brian Jordan tackle some of the age-old questions of the Civil War with the help of a phalanx of scholars. Counterfactual history is fun and can also teach us a great deal about the tenuous nature of actual events as they unfolded.” ~Brian Steel Wills, Director, Civil War Center, Kennesaw State University

“…compelling and convincing arguments based upon historical and technical knowledge and each possess a grasp of the character(s) position and perspective. Proposing the alternations suggested will certainly spice up any Civil War discussion…” ~Arley McCormick, Tennessee Valley CWRT

“Of immense and fascinating attraction and value for Civil War scholars, historians, and dedicated military history fans, it is a unique and welcome addition. Thoughtful and thought-provoking…” ~Midwest Book Review

“'The Great ‘What Ifs of the American Civil War' is far from being a lighthearted scholarly diversion, but expands our understanding of the complexity of actual events and provides us with new viewpoints to consider…through their knowledge, research, and writing and storytelling skill they have given us an entertaining read that many buffs will enjoy, learn from, and wonder, and will certain intrigue many historians as well.” ~David Marshall

“This monograph encompasses more than just the battlefield command styles and the “what ifs” of the these events. In fact, it also delivers thought-provoking insights into the American political landscape as well as the possibilities of foreign intervention during the conflict.” ~Journal of the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War Era

“…expands our understanding of the complexity of actual events and provides us with new viewpoints to consider.” ~The NYMAS Review