Post-Civil War lives of Chamberlin, Meade, and Sherman

¶ … Civil War was Over?

What Happened to Key Figures after the Civil War was over? (Joshua Chamberlin, George Meade and William Tecumseh Sherman)

Three of the most controversial figures of the Civil War were: Joshua Chamberlin, George Meade and William Tecumseh Sherman. These individuals played a major part in helping to reshape the course of historical events. This is because at key points they were serving in positions of influence that had an impact on the final outcome. After the war was over, each one of them lived distinct lives that were built upon these experiences. As a result, we are going to be answering answer the question of:

What happened to key figures after the Civil War was over? (Joshua Chamberlin, George Meade and William Tecumseh Sherman)

Once this takes place, it will provide the greatest insights as to the kind of lives all three men were living after the conflict ended in 1865.

Joshua Chamberlin

After the war was over, Joshua Chamberlin was focused on a career of public service. What happened was he left the army, shortly after Lee's surrender. When he returned to his home state of Maine, he ran for the Governor and served four consecutive one year terms. Then, Chamberlin focused on reunions and other events surrounding the 20th Maine and Gettysburg. In 1894 he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for this bravery on Little Round Top (during the Battle of Gettysburg). At the same time, he focused his efforts on helping the blind by forming the Maine Institution for the Blind. This is because his was wife was visually impaired and he wanted to give something back to the community. Next, Chamberlin would become the President of Baldwin College. Once he retired is when he wrote two books titled: Passing of the Armies and Maine Education. Prior to his death, he was planning the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. However, the lingering injuries that he sustained at Petersburg ultimately lead to him passing away in 1914. This is significant, because it shows how the events from the Civil War pushed Chamberlin to embrace a career of public service. ("Joshua Chamberlin")

George Meade

George Meade served as the Commissioner of Fairmont Park (in Philadelphia) until his death. He lived a very uneventful life by remaining connected to society. Yet, he severed in positions that did not offer him much notoriety such as: when he was appointed the Governor of the Third Reconstruction District in 1868. Prior to his death in 1872, he claimed that his defensive strategies and use of the terrain was a key in being able to break the Lee's will to fight at Gettysburg. This is significant, because it is showing how Meade was focused on limited amounts of public service after the war was over. ("George Meade")

Conclusion

The information that we are examining is significant in understanding the Civil War. The way that this was useful, is to provide us with a background about how these events reshaped all three personalities. As the experiences and the outcomes of what happened, created a foundation that would shape their overall beliefs about life. This is when Chamberlin, Meade and Sherman would focus on different aspects to reshape their role in society

In the case of Chamberlin and Sherman, they are focused on specific incidents that helped to shape their lives after war. For Chamberlin, this meant that he would concentrate on public service and helping to support those who are less fortunate. This is because of the events at various battles caused him to believe that he must be doing something more to better society. While Sherman, was concentrating on advancing his military career and using the tactics that he learned to subjugate the Indians. Yet, he also began to focus on public service and doing more based on the carnage that he seen during the events of the Civil War.

Whereas Meade engaged in similar career choices by: serving as military governor and the Commissioner of Fairmont Park. What makes him different is that these positions were considered to be lower in comparison to those held by Chamberlin and Sherman. As a result, he served in public life, but was not as big of an influence on other events. These different elements are important, because they are showing how the Civil War reshaped the views of these men about: the world and the role that they are playing in it.