McPherson begins by presenting the four major reasons behind Americans motivation to join the War. These reasons were summed up in statements of four men who were very involved in the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln felt as though the motives that induced men to enlist were, \"patriotism, political bias, ambition, personal courage and, want for employment.\" An actual soldier stated in a letter to his father that a his outlook is simply to fight with honor, care for your fellow soldiers, and accept the blessings of God. Joshua Chamberlin's sentiments towards joining the battle was \"Simple manhood\" and when one's honor is at stake, \"the instinct to seek safety is overcome.\" John de Forest said it best. He understood it was not just mere non-fear of death that drove these men to run head-on in to seemingly suicide missions. As he stated, \"The man who does not dread to die or to be mutilated is a lunatic. The man who, dreading these