Civil War Historiography

Civil War historiography is the study of how historians have written about the Civil War over time. It examines the different interpretations, themes, and debates that have shaped understanding of the war’s causes, events, and consequences. These perspectives have evolved from early patriotic narratives to more complex analyses considering social, economic, and racial factors. Historiography reveals how historical views change with new evidence, societal values, and scholarly approaches, providing a layered understanding of the Civil War’s significance in American history.