For liberty and the republic: the American citizen as soldier, 1775-1861

Introduction: The American citizen as soldier and the military ethos of republicanism

Service, sacrifice, and duty: the call of virtue

Preserving, defending, and creating the political order: legitimacy

Free men in uniform: soldierly self-governance

A providentially-ordained republic: God's will and the national mission

Questing for personal distinction: glory, honor, and fame

Epilogue: disunion, Civil War, and shared ideals.