After many significant battles, especially during the American Civil War, public sentiment was often dominated by dismay and fear.

The immense loss of life, destruction of property, and uncertainty about the war's future created widespread anxiety. Families across both the Union and Confederacy grieved for fallen soldiers, while civilians feared further suffering and instability. This emotional toll was extreme after bloody battles like Gettysburg or Antietam, where the sheer number of casualties shocked the nation. Even after victories, the devastating impact of the war weighed heavily on the public, creating a sad and fearful mood across the country.