Question

Read this excerpt from a letter by Civil War soldier Sullivan Ballou:

I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

Why is this letter an important primary source document?
A.
It explains the cause of the American Revolution.
B.
It explains what he means by American Civilization.
C.
It gives insight into what the soldiers believed.
D.
It shows where the key battles occurred.

Answer 1

This is the letter written by, Maj. Ballou on Bull Run anniversary. This latter is the primary source as it gives insight into what the soldiers believed. This document gives the perspective of the Civil War soldier showing their reason for fighting. Primary sources that highlight a citizen's perspective provide the common American's experience.

The reasons for the Civil War are often portrayed from the perspective of the government and/or the wealthy. Soldiers typically have a different reason for fighting. The Civil War was about states' rights or keeping the Union together, but for this soldier it was about the legacy of the country and an attempt to protect that legacy.

Answer 2

The correct answer is C) It gives insight into what the soldiers believed.

Step-by-step explanation:

While this excerpt does not detail the reasons behind the American Civil War and neither does it go in detail about the where the battlers were fought, it clearly shows the belief of many of the soldiers who were fighting on the front.

They held a belief in the country and its values and took it upon as their mission to save the country.

This letter from Sullivan Ballou was intended for his wife Sarah. However, she never got the letter until after his death.