One Drop Rule

In 1705, Virginia passed the first law in history defining who was considered a member of the Black endogenous group. The law used a one-eighth blood-fraction rule; You belonged on the Black side of the color line if you had one or more great-grandparents who had belonged on the Black side of the color line. In addition, the fine for ministers performing interracial marriages was increased even farther beyond reach. This law was the first instance in history of legalized hypodescent. So Pearl in The March is know to be a mulatto. These rules defining race were lessened at one time. Even still I believe it was Louisiana or Mississippi that kept the rule if a person was 1/32 black then they were classified as black. These racist restrictions and oppressions against the Black Community and other non-white races continued till the Civil Rights Movement 100 years after the Civil War and the slaves were freed.

Path of Destruction

This picture shows the descruction of Southern Railways by the Union Army. The key to the Union winning the Civil War was their methodical sufication of Confederate supply lines and resources. The workers would remove the railroad ties and pull up the tracks for miles and miles. Then heat the steel and twist it so it could not be re-used unless melted down.

Sherman's March

Sherman's March to the Sea, as mapped to the left, was and may still be one of the most famous military campaigns in World History. Doctorow's ability to follow such a well recorded time line is a fictional form is amazing. While in his other novels there were actual events and characters involved, The March has to be more focused than anything because of its documented time line. In the photo it is easier to understand why in the story Sherman, Kirkpatrick and other military leaders refer to other companies as being North 50 miles as the left prong. These maneuvers allow the Union Army to out flank the Confederate Army.