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Fort Worth Civil War Round Table

About Our Round Table

The Fort Worth Civil War Round Table is a group of individuals brought together by a common interest in the history of the Civil War.

Programs are designed to cover an aspect of the Civil War such as a leader, battle, politician, general or some other topic. Programs last 45 minutes to an hour. Past speakers have included many of the top Civil War scholars such as “Bud” Robertson, Gordon Rhea, Ed Bearss, Wiley Sword, Steven Woodworth, Jack Waugh, Terry Winschel, Allen Guelzo, Kent Masterson Brown, Brooks Simpson, Peter Cozzens and many others.

Who We Are

The Fort Worth Civil War Round Table is composed of people of varying backgrounds. Some are professional historians, but most just have an interest in learning more about the pivotal event in American history.

Membership is open to anyone interested in this subject. We believe in the concept that “there are no sides on a round table” and we do not espouse any particular viewpoint. Regular dues are $30 per year for individuals or families. For those who want to help with covering our expenses for out-of-town speakers we have a Sustainer Membership level of $50 and a Speaker Patron level of $100. Guests are encouraged to attend meetings and learn with our members.

Upcoming Event

The War Against the Army – Antimilitarism in the Civil War Era – October 8, 2024

Presented by Dr. Cecily Zander, Assistant Professor, Texas Woman’ University

Dinner: 6:00 PM  Menu: Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna, Breadsticks, Ceasar Salad and Dessert – $20, RSVP to jimrosenthal5757@aol.com or by calling or texting 817-307-9263.

Program: 7 PM

Location: UNT Health Science Center, MET Building, 1000 Montgomery, Fort Worth 76109, Room 109-111

Politics. It has always been about politics. Given our current political debates, it is tempting to think that our controversies are a 21st Century phenomenon. That is certainly not the case – politics in the 19th Century were just as heated and impactful. This talk will explore anti-militarism during the Civil War era, focusing on the political debates over the size and use of America’s armed forces that occurred as the nation was immersed in a brutal Civil War. Throughout the Civil War some of America’s prominent politicians failed to understand the value of the regular soldier, often to the detriment of the war effort.

Approaching politics through the lens of the army, the talk will discuss how antimilitarism shaped the Republican Party as it took hold of power during a period of unprecedented crisis. Many Republicans called for the war to be waged aggressively, yet held the army required to do so in great suspicion. Ideological politicians often hindered the effectiveness of the military, and the inability of Republicans to trust the armed forces hampered reconstruction efforts and any attempt to reform the failing bureaucracy overseeing Native American affairs in the West.

This should be a very informative presentation with insights into the behind-the-scenes battles that took place in 19th Century America. Don’t miss it! See you on the 8th!

Cecily N. Zander is an assistant professor of History at Texas Woman’s University and a senior fellow at the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University. She currently serves as Chief Historian for Emerging Civil War. She is the author of The Army under Fire: Antimilitarism in the Civil War Era (LSU Press, 2024) and is now at work on a study of Abraham Lincoln and the American West, to be published by Liveright.