Yes, thank you, that looks exactly like something I need to read next! I think it’s very interesting looking at how minorities in America reacted to America’s wars and I imagine the Civil War being one of the biggest moments of differing opinions on that matter. I’m also aware that during the Vietnam War there was a huge movement of black people refusing to serve even when drafted, I suppose that’s something I’ll need to read up on too.

It also brings into question whether or not someone should have to serve in the military to be a citizen. The idea of not being able to truly take part in your country’s institutions/government/etc unless you’re willing to fight and die in wars you had no say in starting is..troubling. Interesting, but troubling.

Currently Reading two history books and while I'm not finished with either, I can say they're pretty great so far:

• These Truths: A History of the U.S. By Jill Lepore - A really great history of the United States that also analyzes said history, especially in regards to the values that made the Declaration of Independence so powerful. The self-evident truths and how it's possible a nation could believe in them while also believing in slavery, oppressing women and so on. It also touches on whether or not we have lived up to said truths and so far I'm enjoying it. I've read another of Lepore's books, and I find her style and skill as a writer engaging and lively. Not dry at all, which is great for a book that's over 900 pages.

• Military Necessity and Civil Rights Policy: Black Citizenship and the Constitution, 1861–1868 by Mary Frances Berry - Less a book and more of a....study? An analysis? An argument? I'm not exactly sure what to call it but it's well written and informative. It's primarily about the views and opinions of white people in Colonial America regarding whether or not blacks, both free and enslaved, should serve in the military. It's also so much more than that. It talks about how the prevailing thoughts were that slaves were less than human, less than white people, and undeserving of citizenship, yet when times became desperate enough blacks could be granted their freedom and much more by proving valor in combat. It also touches on civil rights policies and I presume (like I said, I haven't finished it yet), will show that there was a correlation between when white people recognized the usefulness of blacks in the military and when they began passing laws giving blacks more and more freedoms. I expect to see the Civil War and how blacks fought there mentioned greatly, and to see the link forged and explored. Really fascinating stuff, I also like how Berry explores the concept of citizenship and its relation to military service.