Question

1. foner writes that \millions of northerners who had not been abolitionists when the war began became convinced that securing the union as the embodiment of liberty required the destruction of slavery.\ what do you think brought about this change in opinion? do you think there was another way for public opinion to have been swayed without going to war?
2. in your opinion, what was the greatest impact of the civil war? do you agree with foote, foner, or have a different opinion? why?

Explanation:

1. The change in northern public - opinion during the Civil - War could be attributed to several factors. As the war progressed, the human cost and the moral implications of slavery became more apparent. The Union's struggle for unity made the connection between slavery and the threat to the nation more evident. Regarding an alternative to war, diplomatic negotiations and economic boycotts could have been explored more vigorously, but the deep - seated differences between the North and South made peaceful resolution difficult.
2. The greatest impact of the Civil War was likely the end of slavery and the re - definition of American nationhood. Whether one agrees with Foote or Foner depends on one's perspective. Foote might emphasize military aspects and the personalities involved, while Foner focuses more on social and political transformations. If one values social justice, they may agree with Foner's view that the destruction of slavery was the most significant outcome.

Answer:

1. The change in opinion was likely due to the war's progression highlighting slavery's moral and national threats. An alternative could have been more diplomatic and economic efforts, but peace was challenging.
2. The greatest impact was ending slavery and re - defining nationhood. Agreement with Foote or Foner depends on one's perspective, with social - justice advocates likely siding with Foner on slavery's destruction as the key outcome.