Virginia Textbook Accused of Civil War Distortions

From Slate (10-20-10):

A textbook stating that thousands of African-American fought under the Confederate flag during the Civil War was handed out to Virginia fourth-graders last month, sparking controversy, reports the Washington Post. Most historians reject the idea that large numbers of black soldiers fought for the South. Groups like the Sons of Confederate Veterans have pushed the theory, however, to support their argument that the war was about Southerner's efforts "to preserve their homes and livelihood" rather than ending slavery. The book's author, Joy Masoff, said she had found the information on a Web site maintained by the group. The textbook's controversial claims were first highlighted by William & Mary historian Carol Sheriff, who came across them while glancing through her daughter's copy of Our Virginia: Past and Present. Sheriff said it was "disconcerting that the next generation is being taught history based on an unfounded claim instead of accepted scholarship." The author, who is not a professional historian, defended her work, saying: "I am a fairly respected writer."

Read original story in The Washington Post | Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010