Final answer:
Sam Watkins’ writings provide a personal glimpse into the life of a common soldier during the Civil War, depicting camaraderie, the harsh realities of war, and the soldiers’ humanity. His and other soldiers’ narratives contribute to preserving the legacy and human element of military history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The writings of Sam Watkins provide a vivid depiction of the daily life of the common soldier during the Civil War. Watkins, a Confederate soldier who fought in many battles, chronicled his experiences in a memoir titled 'Company Aytch.' In his writings, he illustrated the camaraderie among soldiers, the brutal realities of war, and the humanity behind the uniform. His firsthand account presents a more personal and nuanced understanding of military life, delving into the emotional and psychological aspects of warfare, beyond the strategic and historical events typically found in textbooks.
Likewise, other historical accounts, such as those by Bill Mauldin and Tim O'Brien, convey the personal items soldiers carry and their significance, which in turn sheds light on each individual's identity. Letters and memoirs from soldiers, such as a black Union soldier's correspondence to his wife, provide additional perspectives on the diverse experiences within the ranks.
The contributions of writers like Watkins, Mauldin, and O'Brien, as well as the primary sources from soldiers themselves, played a critical role in preserving the legacy and human element of military history, helping later generations to understand the profound and complex nature of soldiering beyond the glorified tales often portrayed in popular media.