Faith in the Fight: Religion and the Civil War

For all of the interest in the American Civil War (1861-1865) one neglected factor as to why the war happened and lasted as long as it did has been the impact of religion and faith on soldiers, civilians, and leaders, both military and political. Even though the Civil War was not a war of religion, we cannot understand America’s most profound event if we overlook the fact that the conflict was a very religious one.

Religion and faith were perhaps the greatest social motivators that helped bring about the Civil War, promoted and encouraged both the abolition and secession movements, and supported troops in battle and camp.