Civil War Lesson Plans
Civil War Music
Although the Battle Hymn of the Republic is considered to be the most famous song associated with the Northern army, the Battle Cry of Freedom could be seen as the most popular song amongst the soldiers during the war. George F. Root wrote this song in a single day after President Lincoln called for 300,000 volunteers to join the Union army. This song was said to bring great inspiration to not only the soldiers in battle, but also to the general public supporting the North.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic is one of the most identifiable songs of the Union army. This popular song is still played and sung throughout the United States. Julia Ward Howe was inspired to write this song after touring Union army camps.
Songs of the South
Songs of the North
Dixie's Land was originally written for minstrel shows where performers would blacken their faces and pretend to act as slaves. Once the Civil War began this song took on a new meaning for the Confederacy and quickly became one of the most popular and well known patriotic war songs for the south.
The Bonnie Blue Flag is considered to be the most popular pro-southern war song next to Dixie's Land. Written by Harry Macarthy, The Bonnie Blue Flag tells the history of the secession of the Confederate states. Early in the war this song grew in popularity and soon became a well known favorite within the Confederate states.