Article Summary
The article “General Benjamin Butler & the Threat of Sexual Violence During the American Civil War” by Crystal N. Feimster in the American Journal of Archaeology (AJA) examines an important aspect of the American Civil War. This article directly addresses my interests as a fervent Civil War historian and a supporter of bringing attention to underrepresented viewpoints. The emphasis on the fear of sexual violence at this turbulent time provides insightful information on the struggles of underrepresented groups and their often-overlooked sacrifices to the war endeavor.
Purpose, Thesis, Primary Sources
The purpose of Feimster’s article is to highlight the systematic and deliberate nature of sexual violence during the war and dispel the myth that it was an unfortunate outcome of hostilities. Her fundamental thesis holds that both Union and Confederate soldiers used sexual violence on purpose to establish authority, instill dread, and demoralize communities. Feimster uses a wide range of primary sources, such as letters from soldiers, people’s diaries, and official military reports, to support her claims.
One primary source is Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, a historical book adapted into a film with violent content, particularly its sexual implications, which gave Feimster nightmares (Feimster 126). She also cited passages from Mary Chesnut’s diary, in which the fragility and dread that white women in the South felt during the Civil War were conveyed (Feimster 127). According to a military report, one Confederate flag-draped woman approached a guarding soldier, looked at him, spat in the gutter, and then walked away in disgust (Feimster 128). These primary sources powerfully reveal the extent to which sexual assault was used as a strategy of war, hurting people, families, and communities.
Historical Moments, Vignettes, and Anecdotes
Feimster provides several compelling vignettes that illuminate the realities of sexual assault during the American Civil War. One poignant anecdote recounts an instance when General Butler’s forces released enslaved women from Confederate-occupied territory, leaving them traumatized from the widespread sexual assault they had undergone (Feimster 129). Feimster also evaluates Butler’s Order 28, which gave his soldiers permission to humiliate and treat as prostitutes the women who insulted federal troops and opposed occupation and deny them protection (Feimster 129). It was even more shocking when Sarah Butler, like her husband, thought that the women of New Orleans had given up their claim to protection by failing to act like perfect ladies (Feimster 129). These scenes highlight the tragic effects of sexual abuse on vulnerable people throughout the war.
Critical Analysis
Overall, the AJA article made an impressive and well-organized case. The author’s use of primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and official military reports from soldiers, enriched the narrative and increased its scholarly standard. Feimster used a straightforward, succinct, and approachable writing style that helped a wide spectrum of readers understand the complex subject matter.
I liked Feimster’s ability to enthrall the audience with vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling, which brought historical events to life. One illustration is after a federal officer confronts Miss Hyams and “the vile wretch threw his arms around her and kissed her,” Hyams “drew a pistol and shot him dead in all the flush of his insolence” (Feimster, 132). Nonetheless, the author could have made her work stronger by making comparisons of General Butler’s response to sexual abuse to that of other military leaders during the Civil War.
Article Contribution, Target Audience, and Suggested Readings
The article by Feimster is crucial for deepening the grasp of American history. She makes a contribution to a more thorough and inclusive account of the Civil War by bringing attention to the ubiquitous problem of sexual assault. This article explores the agonizing impacts of sexual assault on both victims and communities, including fatalities and terror. The article’s intended audience comprises historians, academics, students, and enthusiasts, who may find this historical context beneficial. One recommended reading is the book Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones: From the Ancient World to the Era of Human Rights by Elizabeth D. Heineman. Films like Glory (1989) and Cold Mountain (2003) represent elements of the Civil War, which can offer visual narratives that improve comprehension.
Works Cited
Feimster, Crystal N. “General Benjamin Butler & the Threat of Sexual Violence During the American Civil War.” Daedalus, vol. 138, no. 2, 2009, pp. 126-134.