The mindset of many of the men prior to enlistment was presented in the early stages of the book. More specifically it depicts the mentality of Americans during the first Rage Militaire which began in April and ended in May 1861. This patriotic furor spread like wildfire throughout the north and south following the attack at Fort Sumter. This excitement while increasing patriotism also increased the resenmlent that the opposite sides felt for one another. Regardless of the resentment many Union and Confederates agreed upon one thing, that it was their duty to ght for their country. Other motives of enlistment were also presented :in this chapter, such as the idea of fighting for self honor and glory associated with the adventure of war. In fact some historians question whether soldiers' claim of pa'iotism was simply a means of \"masking\" their