6.4/10
Despite being released ten years later, Gods and Generals is the prequel to Gettysburg. The story focuses on the first two years of the war, following the careers of Robert E. Lee, Joshua L. Chamberlain, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson until his death in 1863.
Gods and Generals did not receive the same critical acclaim that Gettysburg had. Some critics and historians criticized the portrayal of slavery in the film, questioning its depiction of slaves as contented in their condition.
FURTHER READING
Books
Jeff Shaara, God’s and Generals (New York: Random House Publishing Group, 2000).
Wallace Hettle, Inventing Stonewall Jackson: A Civil War Hero in History and in Memory (Baton Rouge: LSU Press, 2011).
James I. “Bud” Robertson, Jr., Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend (London: Macmillan, 1997).
Film Reviews
Steven Woodworth, “God’s and Generals Film Review,” Teaching History, August 17, 2011.
Stephen Holden, “Gory, Glory Hallelujah: Not Just Whistlin’ Dixie,” New York Times, February, 21, 2003.
Roger Ebert, “God’s and Generals Review,” Roger Ebert, February 21, 2003.
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