Homefronts and Battlefronts: The Social Impact of Total War - Class 16

Explore a lecture from Yale University's DeVane Lecture Series examining the profound social impacts of total war during the American Civil War period. Delve into Professor David Blight's analysis of how slavery and racism shaped American institutions, with particular focus on the transformative effects of war on both the home front and battlefront. Learn about the pivotal moments in American history when democratic principles, human rights, and the nation's constitutional framework faced critical challenges. Examine the specific connections between Yale University and slavery, while understanding how the Civil War's multiple legacies - political, constitutional, racial, economic, and commemorative - continue to influence American society. Gain insights into historical parallels between past challenges to democracy and contemporary questions about maintaining a pluralistic, multi-ethnic society governed by the rule of law.