Check Out Last Year’s ECW Symposium Speakers on C-SPAN

Chris-CSPANWith registration now open for the 2015 Emerging Civil War Symposium at Stevenson Ridge, you might be wondering, “Should I go?”

If last year’s presenters are any indication, then, yes, you should. But don’t just take our word for it–see for yourself. C-SPAN thought our symposium line-up was so good that they came down to tape several segments. In case you missed the segments when they aired, C-SPAN archived them; we’ve compiled a set of links for you.

ECW’s Chris Mackowski, who’s also the historian in residence at Stevenson Ridge, served as the emcee.

Keynote Speaker Eric Wittenberg: The Battle of Trevilian Station
“Eric Wittenberg talked about the Battle of Trevilian Station, which took place in Virginia on June 11 and 12, 1864. Wittenberg explained how Union General Ulyssess S. Grant decided to send cavalry commander Philip Sheridan on a raid to destroy major Confederate railroad junctions.?He also described the decisions Sheridan and his Confederate counterpart Wade Hampton made and how those choices led to the decisive Confederate victory.?This event was part of symposium hosted by the “Emerging Civil War” blog.”

Christopher Kolakowski: The Fall of the Confederate Navy
“Christopher Kolakowski talked about the fall of the Confederate Navy in 1864. Coming into that year, the Confederates were at the peak of their sea power.?However, as Mr.?Kolakowski explained, the loss of two important ships and the Union victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay crippled the Rebel fleet.?This talk was part of a symposium hosted by the “Emerging Civil War” blog. 

Meg Thompson: The Election of 1864
“Meg Thompson talked about the 1864 election between President Abraham Lincoln and General George McClellan.?She argued that President Lincoln was so unsure about his chances of reelection that he had his cabinet members sign a “blind memorandum,” which pledged cooperation with Lincoln’s then-unknown challenger if President Lincoln lost.?Ms.?Thompson also explained how important the soldier vote was to the outcome of the election.?This event was part of symposium hosted by the “Emerging Civil War” blog.”

Kristopher White: Changing Military Strategy in 1864
“Kristopher White talked about the way Union and Confederate commanders attempted a variety of innovations in the final year of the U.S. Civil War. Mr. White is the co-author of Season of Slaughter: The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, May 8-21, 1864. This event was part of symposium hosted by the “Emerging Civil War” blog.”



Please leave a comment and join the discussion!