Civil War Was Over? What

¶ … 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")

William Tecumseh Sherman

After Lee's surrender Sherman remained in the army. Until his retirement in 1883, he would serve in a number of different commands to include: General of the Army and Secretary of War. During this time he was known for allowing his troops to engage in tactics that were considered to be brutal. This is because he felt that the constant Indian attacks on the railroads and settlers were unacceptable. As a result, he allowed soldiers to attack women, children and men when they were sweeping villages. At the same time, he helped to establish the Command and General Staff College along with writing his autobiography called Memoires. Once he retired from the army he was inducted into the Kappa Psi fraternity and the Irving Literary Society. Upon his death in 1891, Sherman was remembered for being brilliant military tactician and as someone who was willing to give something back to society. This is significant, because it is showing how Sherman's life was focused on military and public service after the end of the Civil War. The answers the question we are studying, was found at two websites and one book. (Lanning 29 -- 32)

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