The Civil War did preserve the old Union with all of its virtues and all of its defects. But at the same time, as Lincoln and others hoped, the war gave birth to something better: a new Union, stronger and more enduring. The idea of secession ended forever with the Southern Confederacy; the oneness of modern America became reality with Appomattox and Durham Station. Therefore, one cannot and should not forget the tragedy, courage, and lessons of the Civil War. If we would overlook the 1860’s that endowed us with unity, we must also ignore the 1770’s that brought us freedom. For unity and freedom are the bedrocks on which America rests—just as they are our hopes for the years yet to come. XII. SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION (1) Could the Civil War have been avoided? If so, how? If not, why not? (2) What concrete goals was each side trying to attain in that war? (3) How did North and South differ in way of life? (4) List, in parallel columns, the viewpoints of each side on such important issues as slavery, states’ rights, nationalism, etc. (5) In what ways was the Civil War unlike any other war? (6) What different military strategy might the North have employed? (7) What different military strategy might the South have employed? (8) What do you consider as the climactic moment of the war? (9) Compare the structure and personnel of the two respective governments. (10) What effect did the war have on homefronts North and South? (11) What five wartime inventions do you consider most important? (12) Prepare short reports on medicine, religion, slavery, and women in the war. (13) Compare Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, both as men and as presidents. (14) Compare soldiers of the 1860’s with modern “GI’s.” (15) Could the South have won the Civil War? Prove your answer. (16) Who is your favorite Civil War figure? Why? (17) Discuss the best book you have read on the Civil War from the standpoint of information, readability, and interest. (18) Exactly what national questions did the Civil War solve? (19) How did Northerner, Southerner, and Negro each benefit from the war? (20) What problems, present in the Civil War, remain unsolved today? [Illustration: Soldiers preparing for action.] U. S. CIVIL WAR CENTENNIAL COMMISSION (Established by Public Law 85-305) OFFICERS AND MEMBERS _Ex Officio_ Honorable John F. Kennedy _President of the United States_ Honorable Lyndon B. Johnson _Vice President of the United States_ Honorable John W. McCormack _Speaker of the House of Representatives_ _Officers_ Dr. Allan Nevins _Chairman_