Thursday, August 11, 2011

The 1861 Wisconsin State of Mind

Why did the Pooch brothers enlist to take part in the Civil War?   It is challenging to find specific information on the way of life in the Wautoma area as the summer of 1861 moved toward September. It can likely be assumed that the news coming back from Regiments already in the War was of great interest. As for the wider issues developing in Wisconsin we can depend on scholars like Michael McManus to be of assistance.

"Political Abolitionism in Wisconsin 1840-1861" by McManus presents the case for Wisconsin being more radical on slavery and racial issues that most northern states. The struggle to free enslaved blacks was highlighted by the Dred Scott case. There was concern over the spread of slavery into the Western Territories. In addition there was anxiety about the possible loss of liberties if the Confederacy did prevail.  Interest in these issues had been growing for a number of years according to McManus. The many community newspapers, including the Wautoma Journal, would have made public these and other concerns.

Written by Delton Krueger


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