Every good cause gained a victory when the Union troops were triumphant. Our final victory was the triumph of religion, of virtue, of knowledge.... During those four years, whatever our motives, whatever our lives, we were fighting on God's side. We were doing His work. What would this country have been if we had failed?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Hayes views the Union victory as a triumph for religion and virtue and frames the war as divine work.
- In plain terms
- The Union win proved God and virtue were on their side.
- What can you take from it?
- Victory validates the moral cause of the war.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is victory proof of rightness?
- How does war shape national identity?
Another view
War outcomes do not always align with moral righteousness.
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