The Last Full Measure is about the final years of the American Civil War and the lives of the soldiers and citizens affected by it. The story delves into the complexities of war, honor, and sacrifice as it follows the fate of a group of Union soldiers and their struggle to survive and maintain their humanity in the face of overwhelming hardship.
Table of Content
The Last Full Measure Book Summary
The Last Full Measure begins with the Union and Confederate armies in a bloody stalemate, and the tide of the war is about to turn. Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, a dedicated Union officer, leads his men through the battlefields of Virginia, where they endure tremendous hardship and loss.
Chamberlain and his brother, Thomas, fight alongside fellow soldiers, as they confront the reality of war's brutality. They witness the leadership of General Robert E. Lee for the Confederacy and General Ulysses S. Grant for the Union, each with their own strategies and challenges.
As the war escalates, the Chamberlain brothers find themselves in the midst of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal conflict that will determine the course of the war. They show extraordinary bravery and cunning, with Joshua's inspired leadership playing a crucial role in the Union's success.
Despite their victories, the Union soldiers are weary, and the country yearns for peace. The Chamberlain brothers and their comrades continue to fight, facing the harsh winter at the Siege of Petersburg, where they endure desperate conditions and constant danger.
General Lee makes a fateful decision, leading to his defeat at the Battle of Appomattox Court House. The Union forces win, and the Confederacy begins to crumble. The war is coming to an end, and the soldiers are left to grapple with what peace will bring.
Joshua Chamberlain, now a general, is tasked with overseeing the Confederate surrender. He ensures that the defeated soldiers are treated with dignity, marking the end of the war with honor rather than humiliation.
As the nation begins to heal, the characters reflect on the war's profound impact. Families have been torn apart, and the scars of the conflict will linger for generations. The soldiers who have survived must find their place in a world forever changed.
Thomas Chamberlain, who has been critically wounded, struggles for his life. Joshua tries to support his brother, but the specter of death looms over them both.
Despite the war's end, the fight for equality continues. Freed slaves and the promise of Reconstruction remind the nation that true progress is hard-won and often elusive.
The Last Full Measure concludes with the death of Thomas Chamberlain, a poignant moment that underlines the cost of the war and the sacrifices made by so many. The narrative reflects on the legacy of these men and the enduring significance of the conflict they fought.
The Last Full Measure Quotes
- The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
- A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week
- The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his
- The Union, if we win, will be the salvation of the country. If we lose, it will be a disgrace to the name of man
- A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others
The Last Full Measure Ending Explained
At the end of The Last Full Measure, the long and bitter struggle of the Civil War finally draws to a close, leaving behind a nation forever altered by its trials and tribulations.
General Joshua Chamberlain finds himself at the center of this historic moment as he oversees the formal surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House, a task he executes with grace and respect, honoring both the victors and the vanquished.
The book's narrative arc concludes with the death of Chamberlain's brother, Thomas, a poignant reminder of the personal cost of the war and a tribute to the men who fought and died, whose sacrifices were indeed the last full measure of devotion.
Characters in book The Last Full Measure
- Colonel Joshua Chamberlain: A brave and insightful Union officer who leads his men with honor and distinction.
- General Robert E. Lee: The respected and skilled commander of the Confederate forces, known for his strategic brilliance.
- General Ulysses S. Grant: The Union's commanding general, who exhibits a determined and pragmatic leadership style.
- Thomas Chamberlain: Joshua Chamberlain's brother, a devoted soldier who fights alongside his sibling.
- Major General Ambrose Burnside: A Union general known for his distinctive side whiskers and his complex relationship with the Chamberlain brothers.
- Anna Morrison Jackson: The wife of the famous Confederate general, Stonewall Jackson, she represents the civilian experience of the war.
Key Lessons
- Honor Transcends: Upholding one's honor and integrity is often more important than the outcome of a conflict.
- Courage Defines: True courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.
- Sacrifice's Value: Sacrifices made for a noble cause are never in vain, and they can pave the way for a better future.
- Leadership's Impact: Leadership during times of crisis can shape the destiny of individuals and nations.
- Peace Requires Work: The aftermath of war demands as much effort and commitment as the conflict itself in order to truly achieve peace and reconstruction.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Last Full Measure worth reading? Absolutely! I found it to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking account of the human spirit during a time of national upheaval. The book's focus on honor and sacrifice struck a chord with me.
I admired the detailed and well-researched portrayal of historical events, which brought to life the American Civil War in a way that is both educational and emotionally resonant. On a personal note, the depth of the characters and their struggles left a lasting impression on me. However, at times, I wished for a more diverse perspective on the war, especially in terms of the civilian experience.
I would recommend The Last Full Measure to readers who are interested in history, particularly the American Civil War, and to those who appreciate stories of resilience and the human capacity for heroism. This book is a testament to the enduring legacy of those who fought for what they believed was right.