Make Way for Liberty

Brief Summary

Make Way for Liberty by Jeff Kannel is a meticulously researched account focusing on the African American soldiers and regimental employees from Wisconsin who participated in the Civil War. The book sheds light on the lives and contributions of these individuals, providing a more complete picture of their experiences during and after the war. Kannel challenges the understated representation of these soldiers in historical narratives, emphasizing their significant, yet often overlooked, role in the war and in Wisconsin's history.

Main Themes and Topics

The central theme of Make Way for Liberty is the recognition and acknowledgment of African American contributions to the Civil War, particularly those associated with Wisconsin. The book explores the duality of acceptance and discrimination faced by these soldiers, highlighting the contradiction in how they were respected for their service yet marginalized due to their race. Kannel also addresses the misconception of small representation by revealing the substantial numbers who served in various regiments of the United States Colored Infantry.

Writing Style and Tone

Jeff Kannel employs a scholarly style that is well-suited to the historical scope of the book. The tone is informative and engaging, aiming to educate readers while challenging existing historical narratives. Kannel's writing is characterized by clarity and attention to detail, helping to bring the stories of these often-forgotten soldiers to life in an accessible manner.