Lisa Brady\u2019s War upon the Land<\/i> is an excellent piece of environmental history which analyzes the various ways in which nature shaped the course of the Civil War, specifically when cast as the \u201cenemy\u201d of the Union Army. Brady notes from the start of her piece how another historian, Linda Nash, describes nature in a somewhat conscious manner, indicating that it has the power to shape human decisions (6). Throughout the piece, Brady references this idea through her analysis of military strategy, noting how the weather and environment of a region could significantly alter the army\u2019s direction. One such instance of this is through her description of the Mississippi River as a great theatre for war. Due to the placement of the Mississippi within the confines of the United States and the importance of this waterway as a centerpiece for trade and travel, this area was destined to be a focal point which both armies lobbied to control (26). We see in this description how nature shaped the course of human action instead of humans themselves. As a result of this river being so important to trade and travel, the region for conflict was chosen by nature and not by military strategists. Though the leaders of both armies chose to attack\/defend this region because of its importance, this was a predetermined decision based off the environment\u2019s natural design.<\/p>\n

Though the environment often shaped human decisions, Brady notes throughout the piece, but specifically in her chapter about Sherman\u2019s March how actively humans fought to control it. In describing the tactics behind Sherman\u2019s March, Brady states how its goal was to gain \u201ccontrol over the landscape,\u201d specifically the natural aspects of the region (95). Yet, Brady also notes how nature was an incredibly hostile force towards either army, but specifically the Union forces in this situation. She notes how the \u201cterrain, weather, and disease\u201d were as threatening or more so than any force that Sherman\u2019s army met on the field of battle (95). Through this perspective, Brady indicates two characteristics of nature and its relationship with humanity. First, like Nash did with her comments on nature shaping human decision, Brady places some human characteristics onto nature, as she casts it as an enemy to Sherman. Though not conscious like in Nash\u2019s interpretation, Brady\u2019s perspective describes nature as much more than a stagnant figure within human interactions.<\/p>\n

Secondly, Brady indicates the power of nature against humanity, as she references it as stronger than any army Sherman faced. Nature\u2019s ability to kill thousands with disease or disasters is significantly stronger than any bullet or cannon ball, as it remains an unrelenting force which cannot be killed. Brady references this seeming immortality of nature towards the end of her piece, which indicates humanity\u2019s insignificant amount of power in relation to nature\u2019s own. Quoting John Muir, Brady describes how even after all the natural devastation as a side-effect of war; nature continues to regenerate from the wastelands, thereby displaying its eternality (136-137). Though many people might argue that this does not happen today, we have noted in class how buildings are often taken over by nature within a few years, further indicating nature\u2019s supremacy.<\/p>\n

I completely agree with Manish\u2019s<\/a> points about nature being something beyond human control. As is clear through my previous comments about Sherman\u2019s efforts to annihilate the southern landscape, no matter how much he destroyed, nature inevitably reclaimed its hold on the area, displaying its superiority to humanity. Though I agree with this definition, I believe it needs to be expanded to incorporate humans living in harmony with nature, as we have seen this theme exist in countless works this semester. Whether we agree with human ecological alteration or not, it is evident that humans have and will for the foreseeable future remain a part of the natural ecosystem of the world, indicating their place within it. As a result of this, though humans may not control nature, there exists a place within the \u201cwilderness\u201d for them to coexist with their surroundings, offering a different perspective than the more hierarchical relationship that Brady presents.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lisa Brady\u2019s War upon the Land is an excellent piece of environmental history which analyzes the various ways in which nature shaped the course of the Civil War, specifically when cast as the \u201cenemy\u201d of the Union Army. Brady notes from the start of her piece how another historian, Linda Nash, describes nature in a … <\/p>\n

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