This book examines President Lincoln's policy of appointing political generals to build a national coalition to fight and win the Civil War. It looks at the disputes that arose from these choices as the War dragged on, and at the various aspects that helped to re-build the torn nation.

Acknowledgments -- The necessity of the time -- Hunting for generals -- The opening campaigns -- The campaigns of 1862 -- The Vicksburg Campaigns -- Battles in the West and the East -- The Western Theater in 1864-65 -- The Eastern Theater in 1864 -- Quasi-civil support -- Slavery, freedom, and black soldiers -- Exerting political influence -- Conclusion.