The war between the states was complex. If you want to understand the events, you should refer to a textbook. The music of the era, however, helps us delve into people's thoughts and opinions about war, slavery, and many other important issues in our country's history. Before the Civil War, American music followed its European roots. During the Civil War, American music began to develop in its own way, largely influenced by African-American music. The war produced many famous songs. These songs were important in their time and are still known by many people today. Music was important to the Union and also to the Confederacy. Troops sang on the battlefields, around campfires and on the march. They sang to make themselves feel better when things weren't going well. Each side often borrowed the other side's lyrics and/or melodies from the others' songs. The songs, sung by the soldiers, were about what was happening at the time. They were about soldiers leaving home, life in the camp, the suffering of being on the battlefield, and the celebration of victories. The soldiers sang as they marched. They sang to cheer themselves up. They were also known to serenade the other side. Sometimes the battles were stopped so the troops could listen to the music. Northerners sang various types of songs: mobilization songs, sentimental songs, spiritual songs for emancipation, favorite campfire songs and patriotic songs. The songs of the Union show us the way to the university...