Conversations on the Civil War - 1864: Plain Folk on the Home Front

Dr. Melissa Walker is the author of numerous books on the Civil War and is co-editor of Upcountry South Carolina Goes to War (USC Press, 2011). She will talk with Dr. Edgar about the role of “plain folk”—especially women—during the war.

This presentation was recorded at the University of South Carolina’s Capstone Conference Center, in Columbia, on January 28, and was part of the series “Conversations on the Civil War, 1864,” presented in January and February, 2014. The series is sponsored by the USC College of Arts and Sciences.

A Shift In Sentiment | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 1

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

In this first segment, Dr. Melissa Walker discusses the increasing civilian distaste for the war, as observed in letters written to soldiers out in the field. Dr. Walker also notes how civilians...

The Refugee Crisis | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 2

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The Up Country faced a refugee crisis near the end of the war. People fled from the coast to escape the war, and Dr. Walker discusses how difficult it was to provide provisions and assets for them.

Casualty Lists | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 3

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Walter Edgar discusses with Dr. Melissa Walker about the sad reality of casualty lists, read daily to the townsfolk by a clergyman.

Educating The Slaves | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 4

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

In this segment, Dr. Walker discusses how in the Up Country, attitudes were more relaxed regarding teaching slaves how to read and write.

Relief From Income Taxes And The Tithe | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 5

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Walter Edgar and Dr. Walker analyze how civilians developed solutions for relief in wake of the Confederate government’s imposed income tax, and a law known as “The Tithe.”

Women's Increasing Resentment Toward The North | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 6

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Dr. Walker talks about how women in the South were growing increasingly resentful and frustrated with the North in 1864.

Civilians Provide For The Cause | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 7

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Civilians back home figure out ways to raise money and provide relief for not only themselves, but for the troops as well.

Life In The Upcountry | Walter Edgar's Journal

Episode 8

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Dr. Walker briefly summarizes what life was like in general for people living in the Upcountry in 1864.

Conversations On The Civil War - 1864: Plain Folk On The Homefront (Full Version)

Episode 9

Audio

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Dr. Melissa Walker is the author of numerous books on the Civil War and is co-editor of Upcountry South Carolina Goes to War (USC Press, 2011). She will talk with Dr. Edgar about the role of “plain...