Transforming Civil War Prisons: Lincoln, Lieber, and the Politics of Captivity

Book Details

• Author: Springer, Paul J.

• Brand: Routledge

• Edition: 1

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 184

• Release Date: 14-08-2014

• ISBN: 9780415833370

• Package Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.0 x 0.7 inches

• Languages: English

About the Book

Transforming Civil War Prisons by Paul J. Springer provides an in-depth examination of the prisoner of war (POW) experience during the American Civil War. The book delves into the overcrowded and dismal conditions faced by prisoners, the death toll of 56,000, and the broader political, cultural, and historical memory of Civil War prisons.

• The book highlights how the prison conditions were influenced by resource constraints and how the Geneva conventions were shaped by the General Orders 100 issued by President Lincoln.

• It also explores how stories of horrific prison conditions became political tools for both sides during the war, influencing post-war narratives and regional memory.

• The authors also examine the use of former prison sites for historical remembrance, discussing the enduring legacy of prison experiences in the broader context of war.

This book is an essential resource for students and scholars interested in military history, war crimes, and the cultural memory surrounding Civil War prisons. It offers new insights into a key aspect of the Civil War, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of the war on prisoner rights and military strategy.