Harper's Weekly was the most popular newspaper during the Civil War, and it featured stunning illustrations, and in depth stories on all the important people and events of the war. For this week's blog assignment, analyze and evalutate material from this important primary source following the directions below:
1. Actively read any issue from the online archive of Harpers' papers from 1861-65. (These papers are 4-6 pages long and include photographs and advertisements.) The papers are available for view at:http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/the-civil-war.htm
2. Summarize two articles and/or cartoons related to the war published in this edition (be sure to indicate the date and page of each source.) What insight do these articles provide into the issues most important to Harper's Weekly readers at this time? What are the authors and/or artists' positions on the war?
3. Conclude by discussing the impact you believe papers like Harpers' Weekly had on the war.
This post is due by Friday, 1/11 at 7 a.m. 200 word minimum. Remember to respond to at least one classmates post.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/the-civil-war.htm
14 comments:
Ama Kwakye
A Block
January 9, 2008
The Harpers Times defiantly had a huge impact on everyone because it informed everyone about what was going on in the Civil War. The paper was a great way of spreading propaganda for example when Lincoln needed more soldiers he most likely put it into the newspaper. Just like today we use newspapers and media to spread information. My two favorite pictures were from the Political Cartoons. The Fort Lafayette in New York and the Southern Belle. The Fort Lafayette was located in New York. It was where the prisoners were kept until they were allowed to be released. The Southern Belle was when a lady from Baltimore rebelled. Yay...Thank You! She wasn’t scared to stand up for what she believed in. Nonetheless it wasn’t like other women were quiet and stood back, things like this happened everyday. The paper had a huge impact on the war. I know for a fact that probably not everything in the paper was true but the people most likely weren’t thinking of that. They wouldn’t think the information about the war would be false. But most likely the newspaper agreed with one side of the war and made everything about them look good. The newspaper was very resourceful and is good for us now because we are able to see some primary documents from the CIVIL WAR.
Qadeem G.,A Block
The image at http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1861/February/fort-jefferson.htm is of Fort Jefferson in Florida in 1861.The author,a member of the garrison,potrays Fort Jefferson as dreading and mischiveous as though it's the opposite of a paradise.The author of the article that accompanied the image seems to have a neutral position on the war.
The image at http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1861/october/grand-cavalry-review.htm is of GRAND CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVIEW AT WASHINGTON in 1861.The artist,an occasional contributor potrays the army is organized,efficient,resillent,and aggressive.
The image on http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1862/charleston-harbor.htm of SINKING THE STONE FLEET IN CHARLESTON HARBOR in 1862 suggested that one of the opposing sides in the war were losing by which one of the ships are sinking.
The newspapers at http://www.sonofthesouth.net/ effected the outsiders,the people who weren't in the war in which it showed different ways in which the war was fought.Furthermore,some of the images showed different perspectives.
The image on http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1862/charleston-harbor.htm of SINKING THE STONE FLEET IN CHARLESTON HARBOR suggested that one of the opposing sides in the war were losing by which one of the ships are sinking.
Sam Goon
Block A
Jan. 10, 2008
Responding to Ama's post, she stated that the Harper's Weekly had a great impact on everybody because it was informative to the people about the Civil War. I would have to agree with Ama because the Harper's Weekly kept up to date events that informed the readers and residence of the time what was happening. It is also a great primary source for readers today because students like I can understand the war through a document during 1861-65.
In the March 14, 1863 issue, in the eleventh photo document, there is a photo of a battle scene. The First Negro Regiment was sketched into the newspaper to show the violence during the Civil War. This picture is the first battle that Black slaves fought against United States Soldiers. Thomas Nast illustrated this picture. He was on President Lincoln's side, which means he was on the Black's side. He drew the Black slaves as strong soldiers fighting for their rights. The meaning of this article towards the readers was to show that black people have discipline. The readers were probably shocked and frustrated because many were against arming the blacks. In the article on March 18, 1865, photo document seven, Abraham Lincoln is giving his second inauguration speech. You can tell readers are probably happy and excited to see Lincoln being re-elected into office because he has done such a good job being president. The people during the time felt that the Civil War is coming to an end. The author's position was for Lincoln. He felt that Lincoln was a great president. But, later on, President Lincoln is assassinated and shot dead. The Harpers' Weekly had a great impact on the war because although the author's did have different views on situations, the readers still were informed on important events and people.
Mariel Elia
A Block
Jan.9th.2008
The Harpers Times is an very informative news article written at the times when the Civil War was occurring. A newspaper was a great way people to stay intact with what was going on around them.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1863/
december/erie-railroad.htm
I read parts of this article and in the reading you can hear the authors voice about the his or her opinions about the space in New York and how so many citizens do so much and get so little in return. “With a Mayor who had escaped the State Prison only in virtue of the statute of limitations, and who controlled the police for his own purposes, the liberty and security of the citizens were really in his power."
The writer doesn’t agree with the mayor and his decisions. The New York citizen feels that his freedom is being taken away from him.
Another article I read is called "The Back Bone". This is about decisions on slavery and like I said before in the other paragraph, you can hear the writer’s voice instead of straight facts. “Happily slavery in all the chief Slave States is abolished; nor is there any power on earth, except military force, that can restore it." He thinks the only power in America at this time is not the citizens but the military because in that time, war was all that people could think about.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1863/december/
columbia-cartoon.htm
This cartoon is a picture of lady liberty ironing the American flag. The caption below it means that you cannot just fix mistakes in a couple of seconds it takes process. Lady liberty is trying to say that America is becoming unjust and that American does not agree with the Rebels.
Janell McBean
A-Block
The Harpers Times was very important and it gave a great positive influence to all. The Civil War was The Harpers Times main concern. This made it easy for anyone to follow up on the war and to know whether things were going good or if things were going bad.
This is a quote of the weekly of January 26 quotes in The Harpers Times, "The Weekly of January 26 quotes the Herald in proof that these guns can not send a shell to Charleston, and gives very fair data for that opinion. But a 10-inch COLUMBIAD throws its shell easily 4828 yards.
" By making this shell eccentric, at least 500 more can be gained ; and all intelligent artillerists know of certain other expedients by which the difference between this total (5328 yards) and 5500—the distance to Broad Street—can be overcome. Q.E.D. And we trust we shall not be compelled to prove it practically."
This struck me since you dont usually read about the exact things happening during the war and The Harpers Times seemed to have everything down packed with a final touch. This making the newspaper one of a kind. All the newspapers in The Harpers Times had an effect, either being negative or being postive, either way it caused an effect. Even now, it's very fascinating having to the articles they created during the Civil War, leaving knowledge unlimited.
Good evening my funky friends of csi,
Harper's Weekly Original Civil War Newspapers is the most exciting way to study the civil war during 1861 to 1865. Each issue consists of a few articles which informs and updates the citizens about the war along with drawings to illustrate scenes of the war. In the last issue of the Harper's Weekly of December 28, 1861 there is a picture of union refuges from Western Missouri coming into St.Louis. Forced to abandon their homes as occupying forces approached, civilians fled with limited household goods and only modest amounts of clothing and personal items. When they returned, they were greeted with destroyed crops, ransacked homes and beleaguered communities. In my opinion, the author's position of war at this point doesn't seem to be any good because the citizens communities are lives are being destroyed; however, it might be fine if the people have pride in their country. The other cartoon that caught my attention was on March 25, 1865. I decided to choose both cartoons that were from the begging of the war and then at the end of the war, because it has more diversity. This illustration portrays an abundance of people in New York with the triumph of victory. There is a huge American Flag being distributed along the sky being hanged from two buildings that reads "One Destiny; One Constitution; One Country". Agreeing with Janell's statement, the Harper's Newspaper had both positive and negative perspectives on each event during the Civil War which made the newspaper more unusual for the citizens.
Love always and foreva eva,
Kristina Cats!
Kristina Sanzone*
A Block
1/10/08
After reading a few issues of Harper’s Weekly, it is very easy to tell that this made a difference in the lives of it’s readers. It kept everyone updated on the war, giving them the inside access that had never been able to be done before. For example, pictures of the war were never taken before the Civil War and the July 19, 1862 issue of Harper’s Weekly, there is a clear picture of the White House guarded by the soldiers from the Union. The caption simple declared the fact that they were previously in control of that land for a long time. This showed its readers something they might not have previously known. Also, the same issue had an article about Lincoln and his mission to get more troops. This aloud an important message like this one to be able to spread quickly since many people read this newspaper. After reading up on the issue at hand, plenty of people joined to help fight for their beliefs on slavery. Without this newspaper, spreading their concern quickly and vastly would not have been an easy task to complete. However, since it is a newspaper, there is personal analysis brought into what you read, which, in this case, was for the Union’s side. Whatever the paper said, the people believed because they used it as their inside source. I totally agree with Kristina and Janell. The paper gave everyone a clear view of the war, which could have definitely changed their perspectives on what was going on.
Gerald Lara
A block
Harper's Weekly Original Civil War Newspapers has been a more successful way of studying the civil war during 1861 to 1865. Each of the informative artciles updates citizens on the war, and continuously informs them the status of beloved ones or their side. Harper's Weekly of December 28, 1861 portrayed a picture of union refuges coming into St.Louis. As the arrived home, their entire community was detroyed leaving them with horrid thoughts of their loved ones. The authors basic opinion is that war is never good, but it gives pride off to the brave soldiers.
Karmila Saulong
Block A
The Harper’s Weekly was an insightful way from people during the American civil war to be informed and the information in these papers were important to their readers. The issue of May 6, 1865 was shortly published after President’s Lincoln assassination. There were many articles that expressed people’s view on the war and since the war was coming to an end at this time, many people were mourning the loss of not only the President but the nation. This article focused on the reconstruction of the states and its government. Surprisingly, there was an ode published about the funeral of Lincoln. According to the poem, Funeral Ode, President Lincoln was innocently murdered and died a great leader. The author of the poem did not hesitate to express his feelings towards the war. The author states, “But when a Human Hand is turned Into a ruthless demon-power, And smites a nation” that only the nation will be shaken and left in sorrow. Clearly, the author wants the war to end and the writer was distraught when learning that “even the best of rulers die”. At this time, Harper weekly provides the issues and the latest news concerning the rebuilding of a nation and explaining the death of President Lincoln. Also, this issue addresses the consequences of the war. The pictures address the death of President Lincoln. These illustrations inform the people about having a new President and how the President was shot. Even when President Johnson stepped in, he continued to follow through with Abraham Lincolns plans. Some of the authors and artists in the article believe that the South was never oppressed and that the North had unjust methods. An article believed “President Johnson can do this country no better service than by persuading it of the cardinal truth that the regeneration of the South is not to come from men like…” However, some of the authors and artists believe that President Johnson is doing his job and is trying to make a better nation. An article stated that “There is no longer an organized rebellion in the United States” which exemplifies how many reporters believe in different ideas about the war. Through this issue any reader can understand that the war will be coming to an end. Harper Weekly played an important role to the lives of people supporting the war. Many people base their judgments on these newspapers. Also, the readers are informed about the victories and the progression of the civil war. This paper had an impact because if people were given information which helped an individual recognizes the result and new political changes during the war. I agree with what Kristina Cats said about the newspapers having a negative and positive view. This newspaper wasn’t focused on only the Union but did focus on the Confederates as well. It showed the opinions of opposing ideas.
These posts are thoughtful and show me that some of you have a keen understanding of the era. What can we do to encourage more of your classmates to participate in the blog?
Grades for this assignment will be posted by Tuesday.
:)
Ms. F
Harper's Weekly Original Civil War Newspapers has been a more successful way of studying the civil war during 1861 to 1865. Each of the artciles contain crucial information on the war, and updates families on the current status of the loved ones in their families. Harper's Weekly of December 28, 1861 contained a picture of union refuges coming into St.Louis. As the arrived home, their entire community was detroyed leaving them homeless and hopeless they never knew whether or not they would see their families again or how it would be after they cesed to exist. The authors basic opinion is that war can never be a good experience, though fighting gives the soldiers a sense of self pride and redifines their pride and love for their country.
The Harpers newspaper was a major aid in helping us know what took place during the times of the civil war. This primary source was in depth and talked about events from specific battles, to small issues that had no effect on the war whatsoever. Like the newspapers today, the Harpers Times used informative pictures ye back then, political events were usually shown in a political cartoon or a dramatic painting. The article i chose used a series of pictures and words that helped me visualize how life would have been during the civil war. On February 15th, 1862, page 108 of the HARPER'S WEEKLY posted an article about the FIGHT AT OCCOQUAN, VA. and AN INSTRUMENT OF TORTURE
AMONG SLAVEHOLDERS. In the Fight at Occoquan, a gang rebels took part in a carousal or a drinking party. While having a normal day, a group of 50 men surrounded them and a shootout continued until only 2 of the rebels were left. As stated in the article, the last people left were Porter, who fought desperately to the last, and a young man who had been fiddling for the party. This event shows how this newspaper wasn't only about the civil war although it did cover a large portion of it. The second article talked about an odd shaped device that was put around the necks of slaves and was used as a torture device. this device was riveted to the slave which made the slave unable to rest. taking this device off took on average about an hour of filing and was an extremely painful process. http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1862/february/slave-torture.htm
Referring to the post of Janell McBean "The Harpers Times was very important and it gave a great positive influence to all", the message wasn't always a positive influence. some of the articles and political cartoons made fun of and mocked many political figures. The Harpers Times didn't always have a positive influence, it got everyones point across whether bad or good.
Ama G-: interesting post; you infer that you think the paper was promoting a specific perspective on the war - did you find that the articles promoted a Unionist or Confederate point of view?
Quadeem S-: While you did a fine job identifying main ideas of the documents, this work is not up to par with the analytical commentary I've come to expect from you. Also, you didn't respond to other posts.
Sam Goon - G: Thoughtful, detailed post.
Mariel - S: Solid work analyzing the documents but you didn't remark on another post.
Janelle- S-Solid work analyzing the documents but you didn't remark on another post.
Kristina C- G: thoughtful and complete posting, nice work.
Kristina S- G: Thoughtful and informed, but which perspective did the paper promote?
Gerald: N+: Solid start but your blog doesn't meet 200 word minimum and you didn't respond to another post.
Karmilla: E- detailed, analytical and meets all requirements. Nice work.
Emily - S-: Late and a little short but analytical and interesting.
Klown (Vinny?) S: Late but specific and supported.
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