Thesis

The Northern Army lost many battles in the beginning of the war was because they questioned their commanding officers.

He could hear the men whisper jerky sentences: "Say--what's all this--about?" "What th' thunder--we--skedaddlin' this way fer?" (Crane 3.11) This was right before their first battle. They were getting into position to fight off the first enemy charge and because they hadn’t done anything like this before, every time they shifted position they questioned it and wondered why they were moving. Many of the men were building little shelters for them to hide behind while they were being shot at, which probably made them even madder, because when they moved they had to make another shelter.

"Well," cried the youth…"It ain't right. I tell you if anybody with any sense was a-runnin' this army it--" "Oh, shut up!" roared the tall private. "You little fool. You ain't had that there coat and them pants on for six months, and yet you talk as if--" (Crane 3.41). After a long day of marching around and no fighting, the men became very agitated with their commanding officers. The young soldiers wanted to fight when the older more experienced soldiers knew what was happening and yelled at the youth to be quiet. They realized that they were trying to get into a position that would help keep them alive.

"We must charge'm!" they cried with resentful voices, as if anticipating a rebellion against this plan by the men. He expected that his companions, weary and stiffened, would have to be driven to this assault, but as he turned toward them he perceived with a certain surprise that they were giving quick and unqualified expressions of assent. (Crane 23.1-3) This was after they had fought and won, charged and came back alive, so they respected their commanders and did what they asked without thinking. The commanding officers had earned their respect because they had survived the battle because of their orders. Now that the soldiers did what their officers said they won the battle and ultimately won the war.