HIS FPX 1150 Assessment 4 Living History

Student Name

Capella University

HIS FPX1150

Prof. Name

Submission Date

Living History

Date

Dearest ____,

I hope my letter finds you well and happy. The peace and quiet of the place where I am living in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has not been all that peaceful lately. Right now, as I write, I can hear cannon fire in the distance and soldiers calling out to each other in the fields. The war is still going on, and I have felt an urgency to write you about this war since it is a determining factor for our country every day, as well as the future of our country.

Describing the Event

The impact of the Civil War of 2 years ago can still be seen throughout the northern and southern states. The conflict has created a struggle to determine if this conflict is about creating a country based on freedom or one that continues to subjugate and enslave the countless numbers of citizens in bondage as a result of the practice of slavery. Just last month, the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, declared that all who are enslaved on territory held by the Confederacy would be free. The war between the Northern states and the Southern states has become a war against slavery. At this time, in Gettysburg, PA, the Union Army lies in wait for an opportunity to turn the tide of conscience in this war. There is significant pressure on the outcome, as both sides struggle with a lot to lose.

Personal Impact

The war has brought me many mixed emotions: it is a blessing and a curse. Being a nurse in a war zone, I have the distinct opportunity to serve those brave men who are brought into my care by way of necessity; they arrive in droves, with anticipation of a life-changing experience, and unfortunately, usually nothing but sorrow results from such an expectation. The amount of endurance necessary to perform in this war is incredible; at times when everything seems lost, I know there is something to be learned from another’s suffering.

My experiences working with these heroic gentlemen have opened my eyes to the will and determination inside a human being. However, even during a time of trial, uncertainty, and fear – when we are downtrodden and feel as though any hope or desire to return to our families or fulfil our goals and desires has been totally removed – the same human beings who have risked their lives, demonstrated courage, and shown no fear for what is ahead, flourish in this circumstance.

The impact of the war has also caused the greatest surprise for me and has caused the greatest change within my family. In addition to my noble brother, who joined the Union army last year, we all pray for him to remain safe. He is too old to fight himself, but he does assist me by providing all the supplies needed for our front lines. We are all committed to ending this war, especially as our spirits and supplies begin to dwindle on a daily basis. The challenges of this are many and extremely complicated; there are many obstacles that must be overcome with great perseverance and determination. We have the resolve and the faith that is needed to move forward.

Problems and Potential Solutions

Our primary concern is how many people are suffering because of the war and its effects of the war. With the increasing number of places being filled with people in need of assistance and the number of people who are suffering as a result of the war, the amount of resources dedicated to helping these people will only decrease exponentially. Many times, people are killed because they have been infected after getting shot, as we are unable to provide adequate treatment for their injuries.

A large portion of this crisis can be resolved by implementing a hygienic system in our so-called hospitals. Basic sanitation, such as boiling surgical and operating instruments prior to surgery, and disinfecting the area of the body to be cut with a mixture of alcohol and other solutions (alcohol is used as a combination of both a disinfectant and as a sterilizing agent), is enough to prevent the unnecessary death of many soldiers and civilians. The example set by Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War demonstrates that changes in how we work can produce dramatic and successful results.

Another important organizational function is the establishment of identity or role and/or change of identity for the organization or collective group of workers so that we can move forward in unity for our cause, as there are some Northerners who do not agree with the Proclamation, and who are bringing up concerns about the economy and who are likewise hopelessly prejudiced against our desire to abolish slavery, and therefore will not cooperate with us. The only way to convince these individuals of the correctness of our mission will be through perseverance and persistence until it becomes a reality.

Potential Impact on the Future

When I think about what the future holds for me, I experience both optimism and fear. If we are successful in meeting the needs of our people, we will be one step closer to achieving emancipation from slavery through this last war; thus, creating an even more united Union with the core values of liberty and justice for all. But, no matter how much progress we make, I am confident that this war’s repercussions will remain for years and will result in many obstacles during our reconstruction efforts. Slavery has had a devastating effect on both the economic and social structure of specific states; therefore, there will always be those in power who do not want to welcome the newly freed blacks as equal members within their communities.

Through all the challenges mentioned above, I truly believe we must all be willing to sacrifice today for the benefit of tomorrow. When my children and grandchildren grow up in a nation that closely resembles a democracy and provides equality, opportunity will not be only for those of Caucasian descent. The current Union victory in this war deserves recognition.

The world should recognize this victory as proof positive that change can happen when the citizens of a country unite for a cause, no matter how painful the change may be. The success can be used to build on other pending cases still pending in the larger fight for equality and for a better society overall.

I love you with all my heart.

Your devoted sister,