George and Jerry: Thank you for all that information. I am learning more and more about how the actions by each side had its affect on the war. The very first time I went into a genealogical library (now several years..) I remember being helped by a senior citizen volunteer, and we got into a friendly chat about the pursuit of family history etc., and she said she had learned more about history since she had started doing genealogy, than she had WHEN SHE WAS TEACHING IT!(She was a retired schoolteacher..)
I have to agree with her. If they would make it more interesting in the schools than just having you read something and ask a few questions, I think more young people would like it. I was a good student in high school, but our teacher made our American History class so uninteresting we all dreaded the class every single day.The hour we were in it seemed more like a day, before we were finally excused for the next class. If they would just realize it becomes real when you study the individuals involved and the affect their different personalities, characters, and/or vices had to do with the outcome, it can be a fascinating subject, as we all know. Thanks for your input!