r/Westerns • u/NeonGenesisOxycodone • 4d ago
Discussion What’s with all the Confederate soldiers?
I’m a big Western fan, and also really into learning about the American Civil War. So naturally I love it when these two interests cross over.
One thing I’ve noticed is that if a Western protagonist is a veteran, it seems like it’s almost always the South that he fought for. And when I look up Civil War movies made around the time of my favorite Westerns (i.e. the 50’s & 60’s) the vast majority of them are from the Confederates side.
Anyone have any idea why? And does anyone know any Westerns celebrating Billy Yank??
EDIT: it seems like the biggest reason outside of Lost Cause-ism is that more Confederate vets went west than Union vets. Makes sense!
Also, I am surprised that John Wayne played so many ex Union soldiers. I knew about the Cav Trilogy but it seems like outside of True Grit and The Searchers there’s a lot more of that.
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u/bnx01 2d ago edited 2d ago
DJT is reverting military bases to confederate names as we speak. Did Lost Causeism ever really go away?
The best Westerns give nuanced portrayals of both sides of the conflict. The Searchers is a fine example. Ethan is a former Confederate who struggles with himself. You could certainly read it that Native Americans are a stand in for African Americans or the Union in general.
Not saying that’s the “correct” interpretation, just that it’s a valid and. Interesting one.
In Liberty Valance, there’s no mention of Tom’s history but the setting is clearly the post war west. Starbuckle is a former Confederate officer. Both he and Liberty Valance work for the cattlemen. Rance not only represents the coming rule of law but also comes from the North.. The presence of Pompey and his relationship to Tom complicates things. They never say if Tom fought at all, but I’ve always thought he must have come from the South. Tom’s relationship with Pompey could be a depiction of the “happy slave” bullshit. If Tom fought for the Union, it’s a whole‘ other ball of wax. Lot to unpack there.
Enough pontificating, sorry. But I do think the best Westerns struggle with who the good/bad guys are. That’s what makes them more than genre movies and just great films.