surprising resilience and went on to become productive members of their communities in their post-war lives.• Documents how Civil War veterans' combat experience changed them in ways that allowed them to become productive members of their communities and leaders in their sections?a largely overlooked "benefit" to the war• Identifies overarching trends among veterans' experiences while also underscoring how varied Civil War soldiers' experiences were, depending on which side they fought for, where they fought, and their socioeconomic status

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