Battle Cry of Freedom

Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era is a detailed historical account by James M. McPherson, spanning two decades from the Mexican-American War to the end of the Civil War at Appomattox.

The book integrates political, social, and military events, providing a thorough analysis of the pre-war period and the Civil War itself.

McPherson examines the multiple interpretations of freedom held by both the North and South, highlighting how these differing views led to the conflict.

The book is part of the Oxford History of the United States series and is praised for its fluid writing style, use of anecdotes, and comprehensive coverage of the period, including significant events like the Dred Scott decision, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.