The civil war has been given many names: the war between the states, the war against northern aggression, the second american revolution, the lost cause, the war of the rebellion, the brothers' war, and the late unpleasantness. famous poet walt whitman called it the war of attempted secession. confederate general joseph johnston called it the war against the states. by whatever name, it was unquestionably the most important event in the life of the nation. which name do you feel best fits this war from the list above? maybe you have another name you think would be even better? give the name you feel fits this war best, and in a sentence or two, explain your reasoning.

“dear sir: it is with great reluctance, i trouble you on a subject, which does not fall within your province; but it is a subject that occasions me more distress, than i have felt, since the commencement of the war; and which loudly demands the most zealous exertions of every person of weight and authority, who is interested in the success of our affairs. i mean the present dreadful situation of the army for want of provisions, and the miserable prospects before us, with respect to futurity. it is more alarming than you will probably conceive, for, to form a just idea, it were necessary to be on the spot. for some days past, there has been little less, than a famine in camp. a part of the army has been a week, without any kind of flesh, and the rest for three or four days. naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery, that they have not been ere this excited by their sufferings, to a general mutiny or dispersion. strong symptoms, however, discontent have appeared in particular instances; and nothing but the most acitive efforts every where can long avert so shocking a catastrophe.” what’s the central idea?