Tides of History

Guerrilla Warfare and Insurgency in the American Civil War: Interview with Professor Andrew Fialka

7 snips
Jul 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Professor Andrew Fialka, an expert on Civil War history and guerrilla warfare, sheds light on the often-overlooked insurgency tactics that shaped the conflict. He explores the dual nature of warfare, featuring morally complex figures like spies and con men. Fialka delves into the creation of his graphic history, merging serious storytelling with visual art. Additionally, he highlights a new database cataloging over 25,000 violent events, emphasizing lessons relevant to contemporary warfare and community dynamics.
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ANECDOTE

Jacob Turman: Spy and Con Man

  • Jacob Turman was a spy and con man employed by the US military during the Civil War.
  • He infiltrated guerrilla groups, committed murders, and used emancipation as a moral cover for his actions.
INSIGHT

Missouri's Civil War Hotspot

  • Missouri was a hotspot for guerrilla violence due to its frontier status and border state politics.
  • Union commanders struggled with guerrilla violence and tried several approaches without clear success.
INSIGHT

Civil War as a Mirror of Divided America

  • The Civil War reflected America's deep societal divisions along political, ethnic, and racial lines.
  • History shows America has overcome greater challenges before, offering hope for modern conflicts.
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