Civil War Round Table: The Union League and the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Philadelphia was a city divided between supporters of the Union and southern sympathizers. As the country entered into another exhausting year of war in 1862, The Union League of Philadelphia was founded. Its first goal was to ensure Philadelphia supported Lincoln, his policies, the Union, and abolition. By the end of the war, what started in Philadelphia had become a national, patriotic movement – the League had become the most important civic institution of the North during the war.

Jim Mundy, Historian Emeritus of Founding Forward, joins John Meko for a discussion on this important moment in American history. Mundy held a variety of positions within the League and its affiliated charities for nearly 50 years, including archivist, historian, librarian, and clubhouse manager. He has written many articles and presented lectures on the Union League, Civil War, Philadelphia history, art, and architecture.

This program was held at The Union League of Philadelphia.

Founding Forward’s Civil War Round Tables provides programs (primarily lectures) about the American Civil War. This includes the political, social, and military aspects of the war, with a focus on Philadelphia and the Union League’s important role in the war.

Founding Forward educates and empowers individuals to participate in and uphold the American system of self-government. To learn more, visit www.foundingforward.org and follow us on social @foundingforward.