The Civil War would determine whether America would be a confederation of sovereign states or an indivisible nation with a sovereign national government (A Brief Overview). This country was founded on the statement, "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" (The Pledge of Allegiance). At the time, America was the largest slave holding nation in the world. The North realized that the South was not upholding the standards upon which America was founded on, initiating the war. Slavery was not the sole cause of the war; the war was also meant to bring the Union and the Confederates back together. Throughout the course of the four year war between the North and South, Americans became increasingly encouraged and patriotic. During this time, music became an advocate to the positivity of the soldiers on the battlefront and the citizens at home who patiently awaited the end of the war. Music helped pass time and created a more pleasant environment during a time of disagreement. Each side had their own "battle cries"; the North's most prominent patriotic song was "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Whereas the South had a few less remarkable songs like "God Will Save the South" and "God Will Defend the Right." Not only did these songs comfort both sides, but they also unified the soldiers with their nation and comrades . They bonded over the music and were reminded of their homes, families, and national identities (Music of the 1860's). This encouraged them to fight and win to end the war so they could go back to their families. Music helps us to understand the values that Americans held during this time period because the same songs are still around today. These songs express the faith that Americans had throughout the Civil War. To this day, the most prominent patriotic song that identified with the Union in the Civil War was "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." This ballad was written by Julia Ward Howe, an activist in the women's suffrage movement. She was inspired after she toured a Union army camp and heard the soldiers singing "John Browns Body." She woke up the next morning with lyrics in her head that she immediately wrote down and put to the tune of "John Browns Body." The song was particularly encouraging to the soldiers in the Union because of its powerful lyrics and tempo (Civil War Music). The lyrics are positive and express that God is on their side and will lead them to victory if they fight for Him. One can interpret the lyric, "He is sifting out the hearts of men before His Judgement Seat," as they believed God was picking out His army and those with a heart for Him and those who fight for Him will go to heaven. The judgement seat is interpreted in the Bible as whether or not one will go to heaven or hell. The lines that repeat "Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on," refer to Gods already written word to be true. The Union, who believes they are fighting on behalf of Gods will, proclaim that line on the battlefront that his truth will march on. The soldiers would actually sing "His truth is marching on" as they would march to the battle field. The rigid tempo goes along perfectly with the sound of uniformly marching feet and this would not only distract, but calm the soldiers as they headed into battle. Much of the song refers to God, and Americans placed a lot of their hope and trust in God during this time. Since they believed that God was on their side and would provide and care for them, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" comforted the families and soldiers that patiently awaited victory (The Battle Hymn of the Republic).

"God Save the South" was said to be the national anthem of the South if it were to have one (God Save the South). It was written by George H. Miles at the beginning of the war and was set to music by Charles Wolfgang Amadeus Ellerbrock. It closely modeled Julia Ward Howe's, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by stating that God would aid the South in battle and lead them to victory. This song was so prominent in the South because it was the first song to be published by the confederacy. Americans prospered through faith in God that their nation and leaders will lead the way. It also helped confederates identify with their nation and the identification of George Washington. George Washington was seen as a rebel during the Revolution, and many Southerners during this time believed that the Civil War would be the second American Revolution. By identifying and unifying with common interests, the South banned together to fight. Like the North, the South believed that God was on their side. In "God Save the South" it says, "God made the right stronger than might" (God Save The South). The confederates believed they were in the right according to God and that He would help them fight and beat the Union. Even though this war was not about slavery, it was a main component to the cause of the fight. Slavery had divided the country since the very beginning and many people thought Abraham Lincoln was against slavery but really he was indifferent to it, he just wanted to bring the both sides back together. He even said, "If I could win this war without freeing a single slave I would" (Mendelez, David). The south not only had a strong sense of faith in God but also in Lincoln, due to his determination to bring everyone together (God Save the South). 

Another song that unified the South was "God Will Defend the Right." This song was written in 1861 by an unnamed woman from Richmond, Virginia. It was written in defiance against the North and portrayed Northerners as tyrants who wanted to control the South (God Will Defend the Right). The difference between this song and "God Save the South" is that this one talks a lot about the North. It says, "Let haughty tyrants know" and "the fierce invader comes," referring to the North. The other songs between both sides talk more about God and how they are dying for the life of others and for freedom. For example, In "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" it says, "As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free"(A Brief Overview). This is referring to the death of Jesus Christ on behalf of all of the sinners of the world. By dying for our sins, we were forgiven and reborn. The North was claiming that they were fighting for everyones freedom. Because of their sacrifices, slavery would be put to an end, the war would be put to an end, and all would be free. In "God Save the South," it says "Chanting our battle cry, Freedom or death!" Just like the song of the North, they are prepared to die for the freedom of others. "God Will Defend the Right" belittles the North and points out how the Souths land will be sunny and plentiful if God defends them. The other songs are encouraging in a positive way but this song, in my opinion by slandering the North, portrays the South in a negative way. Along with "God Save the South," the lyrics state that the South is in the right and God is on their side. By the title alone, it clearly states that they are right and that God will defend them (God Will Defend the Right). 

One thing that all three of the songs between the North and South had in common was that each claimed that God was on their side. One example is in "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" the lyric, "He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat." I made the comparison to trumpets and how they are generally associated with war and soldiers. Trumpets were easily accessible on army camp sites so soldiers could grab one and play the tune to this song and sing along (The Battle Hymn of the Republic). Trumpets are frequently mentioned throughout the Bible and represent victory; in these lyrics when God sounded forth the trumpets it symbolizes Him declaring their victory.  In "God Save the South," the lyrics "God save the South, God save the South," are repeated throughout the song and shows the repetitive idea that God will come to their rescue (God Save the South). In "God Will Defend the Right," the lyrics "God will defend the right" are repeated once throughout each stanza. Like I previously mentioned, the South believed they were in the right and that God was on their side and would help them defeat the Union (God Will Defend the Right).

I compared this war to a fight between a family, like a brother-sister rivalry. Families are supposed to work together and fight for each other because no matter what they're stuck together forever. Luckily, the Civil War ended like a brother sister rivalry would; they made up and were stronger and closer than ever. By standing strong in their faith, both sides fought and even though only one side was led to victory, they made it and the nation became stronger as a whole. Music aided in the success of our countries reuniting. Without the songs to positively encourage the soldiers and the nation as a whole, the entire world could be a lot different than it is now. If the South had won, would slavery had ended? What would that look like today? Thankfully, the motivated soldiers of the North fought until victory and slavery ended soon afterwards which eventually led to integration and where we are today.

