JEWS AND THE CIVIL WAR: THE UNION

This class dives into the tumultuous Civil War period when most Jews were new immigrants who had just begun to settle into their new country. Having various reasons for joining the war, Jewish soldiers fought on both sides of the conflict. We explore the different experiences that Jewish soldiers encountered on the battlefield as well as highlight their heroic acts. We will also learn about the heightened anti-semitism that arose during this time when the Jewish population became the scapegoats for many of the ills of war.

• Explore the varying reasons why Jews enlisted and how their views changed as the war progressed.

• Discover the different experiences Jewish soldiers had with their comrades in camp and on the battlefield.

•  Learn how the rise in anti-semitism affected Jews. Take a close look at the most anti-semitic order ever given in America.

•  Explore how Jews had a significant role in outfittering the Union Army and how this led to Jewish businesses  became successful in the clothing industry after the war.

• Meet the brave Jewish men and women who contributed from the homefront to the battlefield.