Commanding the Army of the Potomac (Modern War Studies)

Book Description

During the Civil War, thirty-six officers in the Army of the Potomac were assigned corps commands of up to 30,000 men. Collectively charged with leading the Union's most significant field army, these leaders proved their courage in countless battlefields from Gettysburg to Antietam to Cold Harbor. Unfortunately, courage alone was not enough. Their often dismal performances played a major role in producing this army's tragic record, one that included more defeats than victories despite its numerical and materiel superiority.

Stephen Taaffe takes a close look at this command cadre, examining who was appointed to these positions, why they were appointed, and why so many of them ultimately failed to fulfill their responsibilities. He demonstrates that ambitious officers such as Gouverneur Warren, John Reynolds, and Winfield Scott Hancock employed all the weapons at their disposal, from personal connections to exaggerated accounts of prowess in combat, to claw their way into these important posts.

Once there, however, as Taaffe reveals, many of these officers failed to navigate the tricky and ever-changing political currents that swirled around the Army of the Potomac. As a result, only three of them managed to retain their commands for more than a year, and their machinations caused considerable turmoil in the army's high command structure. Taaffe also shows that their ability or inability to get along with generals such as George McClellan, Ambrose Burnside, Joseph Hooker, George Meade, and Ulysses Grant played a big role in their professional destinies.

In analyzing the Army of the Potomac's corps commanders as a group, Taaffe provides a new way of detailing this army's chronic difficulties-one that, until now, has been largely neglected in the literature of the Civil War.

This book is part of the Modern War Studies series.

Customer Reviews:

Travails of a politicized army.......2007-03-02

"Running a war seems to consist in making plans and then ensuring that all those destined to carry it out don't quarrel with each other instead of the enemy." - Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke, Chief of the Imperial General Staff (1941-46)

Though Lord Alanbrooke's observation specifically concerned relations between the Western Allies fighting Germany in WWII, it could just as validly apply to the infighting that plagued the Army of the Potomac (AoP) otherwise battling for the Union in the eastern theater of the American Civil War. Before fulfilling its mission by defeating Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia in April, 1865, the AoP lost more confrontations than it won and sustained more casualties than it inflicted. No wonder, after the Battle of Cold Harbor, that the general commanding all Union armies, Ulysses Grant, asked, perhaps rhetorically, division commander Brigadier General James Wilson:

"Wilson, what is the matter with this army?"

Wilson's answer reportedly implicated a flawed organizational structure, defective communications, a confused chain of command, and an inferiority complex among the officers relative to Bobbie Lee. In any case, Stephen Taaffe's COMMANDING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC is an engrossing and fascinating examination of the AoP's command structure, from McClellans's assumption of overall command in July 1861 to April 1865, as exemplified by those generals that held either corps and/or army command. Against a background of the AoP's major engagements, which are each summarized very briefly, Taaffe describes each general's ascent to power, whether it was through political connections, opportunism, merit, or ideological agreement with the current Army Commander - categories which, in some cases, overlapped. Conversely, the author also explains why each lost his position: killed or seriously wounded in battle, promotion, battlefield fatigue, alienation of superiors and/or bickering with peers, or quitting out of simple disgust. Indeed, only three of the AoP's thirty-six corps commanders lasted for more than a year.

The book includes a section of generals' formal photo portraits, which includes those of McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman, Keyes, Burnside, Hooker, Meade, Porter, Franklin, Smith, Warren, Butterfield, Sickles, Birney, Pleasonton, Howard, Couch, Sedgwick, Slocum, Stoneman, Gibbon, Hancock, Humphreys, and Wright. Oddly, because I can't imagine that such don't exist, there are no photos of Wilcox, Williams, Sheridan, Sikes, Newton, Reynolds, French, Mansfield, Reno, Griffin, Cox, Hays, Pope, or Parke. Because of these omissions, I'm knocking off a star simply for the resultant lack of completeness to an otherwise excellent volume. The characters of the generals herein described comprise the core of the narrative, and this reader wanted to look them in the eye, so to speak.

As a bonus, or perhaps a distraction, the command structure of General Butler's Army of the James is also included from the time of the AoP's siege of Petersburg when the former force moved into close contact with the latter.

I heartily recommend COMMANDING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC to any serious or casual student of the Civil War since it examines the dysfunctional AoP from a perspective different from the norm. Taaffe's main conclusion seems to be that the Army of the Potomac suffered from having to operate in such close proximity to the seat of Federal political power and authority in Washington, D.C., a handicap not borne by the more successful western armies, e.g. the consistently victorious Army of the Tennessee.

Winning ugly is still winning........2006-12-11

I liked this book by Taaffe. As the other reviewers have said, this is not original material. But heck, this is a 150 year old war. Taaffe thesis is that with all the manpower, materials, and numerical superiority, why did the Army of the Potamac take four years to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia. The issue was poor leadership. Taaffe looks at the army leaders, as well as the Corps commanders, and details their leadership pattern. Their early experience was awful. They wasted lives with poor strategy. The political generals were far worse. Yet they were needed too. Poltical interference clouded the judgement of some decisions. With time, the Army of the Potamac became more professional and competently led. That is when they started winning. An ugly win is still a win, and the Army of the Potamac beat Lee's Army.

This is a nice read for those interested in the Civil War. The book is divided into the chapters on each General commanding the Army of the Potomac.

A different angle on a familiar narrative..........2006-03-28

Taaffe has not exactly broken a great deal of new scholarly ground with this book. However he has taken a well worn narrative path and made it seem new to me. Taaffe's analysis of the much analyzed command problems of the Army of the Potomac gives readers a new insight into the role of the Corps commanders in the intra-Army politics and tactical and strategic decision making process for the Army. Taaffe also shows their impact the political establishment in Washington and its continual search for a commander of the "Sword and Shield of Washington."
As expected McClellan gets his share of blame and also praise for the officers that were nurtured along during his tenure. Indeed many of them did not blossom at Divisional or Corps command until he was two years removed from the AoP.
And it is also not surprising that Grant's decision to accompany the Army helps its generals fight the bloody battles of 1864 and 1865 by providing a political buffer between the political leadership in Washington and the field army.
The narrative is crisp and well written and made this book an enjoyable read. While not the newest material under the sun, it certainly is a needed synthesis of the volumes of biographical and historical information about the leaders of the AoP.

Needed History.......2006-03-12

This is a history not of a war or of an army but of a group of men that commanded an army and in doing so determined the course of a war. The 36 men who commanded a corps in the Army of the Potomac were a diverse lot who reached the summit of the most important Union army in the Civil War. Many people find it almost impossible to understand the hows and whys of their promotion to corps command or the impact these men had on the battles they fought. Mr. Taaffe simplifies a very complex subject while not shorting changing his readers. The book is organized not by people or by campaigns but by phases. Each phase, is a major step in the development of not the army but the group of men that commanded its' corps. This logical division helps the reader move through a very complex developing process with an immediate understanding of the overall process. The second contribution to the reader's understanding of the subject is the assignment of these men into the competing groups that fought for political control. The groupings are constant through the changing phases of the war and the shifts in power and prestige of a group make an interesting sub story.

As the war enters each phase and changing power of the groups, produces the current crop of candidates for promotion. This interaction and the resulting corps commanders are presented in a logical manner that might be Monday QB but is impressive and very understandable. Each man is given a short afterward, keeping them flesh and blood not just a blue suit with stars. I'm very fond of a short afterward and the author delivers a concise summary.

The strongest points of the book are the interaction of the commanders, the jockeying for command and the relief of General Warren. Each is well handled with the reasons for and effect on the army fully presented. This is a short book but packed with information and very readable. I think it is an important book that needs to be read by anyone wishing to understand the East.

$Report of Brig. Gen. Henry M. Naglee, commanding First Brigade, Casey\'s Division, Army of the Potomac, of the part taken by his brigade in the Battle ... the official report of Gen. Casey.$
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Report of Brig. Gen. Henry M. Naglee, commanding First Brigade, Casey\'s Division, Army of the Potomac, of the part taken by his brigade in the Battle ... the official report of Gen. Casey.
Henry M. (Henry Morris) Naglee
Manufacturer: Cornell University Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

Originally published in 1862. 20 pages. This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Samuel J. May Anti-Slavery Collection

Report of Brig. Gen. Henry M. Naglee commanding First Brigade, Casey's Division, Army of the Potomac: Of the part taken by his brigade in the battle of ... containing the official report of Gen. Casey

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Report of Brig. Gen. Henry M. Naglee commanding First Brigade, Casey's Division, Army of the Potomac: Of the part taken by his brigade in the battle of ... containing the official report of Gen. Casey
Henry M Naglee
Manufacturer: Collins, printer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Winfield Scott Hancock, Major-General, commanding the Second Corps Army of the Potomac, and the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, & 3, 1863: A true historical narrative

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Winfield Scott Hancock, Major-General, commanding the Second Corps Army of the Potomac, and the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, & 3, 1863: A true historical narrative
Edgar A Altland
Manufacturer: Heidelberg Press Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts)

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Historical Dictionary of Fantasy Literature (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts)
Brian Stableford
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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History & Criticism | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0810849445

Book Description

The chronology tracks the evolution of fantasy from the origins of literature to the 21st century. The introduction explains the nature of the impulses creating and shaping fantasy literature, the problems of its definition and the reasons for its changin

Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts, No. 1)

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A reference that lists science fiction authors

Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature (Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts, No. 1)
Brian Stableford
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This reference tracks the development of speculative fiction influenced by the advancement of science and the idea of progress from the eighteenth century to the present day. The major authors and publications of the genre and significant subgenres are covered. Additionally there are entries on fields of science and technology which have been particularly prolific in provoking such speculation. The list of acronyms and abbreviations, the chronology covering the literature from the 1700s through the present, the introductory essay, and the dictionary entries provide science fiction novices and enthusiasts as well as serious writers and critics with a wonderful foundation for understanding the realm of science fiction literature. The extensive bibliography that includes books, journals, fanzines, and websites demonstrates that science fiction literature commands a massive following.

Customer Reviews:

A reference that lists science fiction authors.......2005-02-08

Historical Dictionary Of Science Fiction Literature is a straightforward reference that lists the names of historically significant science fiction authors, common terms used when discussing science fiction literature (such as "space opera" or "fandom"), branches such as "Spanish Science Fiction", and more. Each entry is brief, no more than a few paragraphs long, yet accurately summarizes its topic. Easy to consult and use, and proffering an extensive bibliography, Historical Dictionary Of Science Fiction Literature is an excellent quick-lookup resource for libraries, as well as literature students and professors.

Brian M. Stableford. Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature.(Book review): An article from: Utopian Studies

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Brian M. Stableford. Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature.(Book review): An article from: Utopian Studies
Miguel Angel Fernandez-Delgago
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Utopian Studies, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2006. The length of the article is 773 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Brian M. Stableford. Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction Literature.(Book review)
Author: Miguel Angel Fernandez-Delgago
Publication: Utopian Studies (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Page: 373(3)

Article Type: Book review

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