Americans in the 19th century believed they were civilized and that war had to be conducted with restraint and honor. But the extreme violence and bloodshed of the Civil War–including raids, massacres, and prisoners used as human shields–prompted controversy between North and South over forms of retaliation and who deserved protection during war. Dr. Lorien Foote, author of Rites of Retaliation: Civilization, Soldiers, and Campaigns in the American Civil War, will explore these events and issues with us. Part of Civil War on the Border, Douglas County’s largest annual heritage event for 27 years.

This conversation was streamed live on August 19, 2022.