071 - Edwin McMasters Stanton: Lincoln's "Unloved" Secretary Of War

About this episode: Back in 1969, Columbia University Press published Volume I of a biography written by historian Grady McWhiney. The work chronicled the life of a full general in Confederate service. There was to be a Volume II but, as Civil War historian Richard McMurray reportedly put it, “McWhiney found his subject so nauseous that he abandoned the project.” No question, the subject of McWhiney’s research was stern, intimidating, quarrelsome, a martinet, but despite those flaws, he commanded the Confederacy’s leading army in the Western Theater for much of the conflict. This is the story of a field commander who once was tabbed the most despised man in the Confederacy. This is the story of Braxton Bragg.

About this episode: The October 1777 victory at Saratoga opened the door for an alliance with France, and that nation's aid was crucial for American independence. All too aware of that fact, Jefferson Davis made European recognition a priority. For as many Southerners put it, this was their second war for independence. Conversely, Abraham Lincoln was just as committed to keeping the Confederacy isolated. This is the story of two governments waging war in the art of negotiation. This is the story of diplomacy in the American Civil War.

About this episode: In this, the 250th year of American independence, we look back over time’s shoulder to revisit the nation only eleven years after its great civil war. From Philadelphia, Washington City and the relatively civilized East Coast to the wilds of the territories, Montana, Dakota and New Mexico, we bring to light issues that dominated then and still linger. Our focus: this country as it struggled to come into its own - struggled to establish its identity. For our 100th episode, we tell the story of our nation’s Centennial. This is the story of the United States in 1876.

About this episode: Shots had been fired and mobilization in both North and South began. Many believed it would be over in six months. Only a few anticipated a four-year struggle which would bring political, military and social change. Changes that few could even begin to imagine. In the first months of the conflict, the pieces on the military chessboard were being placed and opening moves calculated. Like so many conflicts over the course of time, there was excitement in the air and opportunity for glory. For this episode, the story of a naïve Union and Confederacy at the beginning of the American Civil War. When death in battle spawned poems and song and when the conflict was still a rebellion and long before it became a social revolution. These are the events of June 1861 and the events that led to the first land battle of any consequence. These are the stories of the early days of the war and the Battle of Big Bethel.

About this episode: In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5, the title character states that, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more.” That line resonates well with many during the opening months of the American Civil War. With war as their stage, many believed the struggle provided opportunity for personal acclaim and glory. Some were successful. Some were not—there at the beginning but not the end. And when politics, poor performances and toxic personalities reduced some to historical footnotes, there were some who had been waiting in the wings, took center stage and found lasting fame. For those who sought or were cast into roles as this nation was plunged into civil war, this is their story. A story—full of sound and fury—of those who were Early Players for the Union and Confederacy.