A. He reflects back and describes his initial optimism of the war.
Everyone initially feels that optimism going into a battle. The idea of victory is something easy to see. But it gives the idea that possibly it may not turn out exactly as he hopes in the final sentence.
In his letter to President Eisenhower dated back to May 13, 1958, Jackie Robinson addressed the issue regarding black civil rights. He expressed his frustrations on Eisenhower's lack of support for upholding black civil rights at that time and he moved to fight for Federal support on these rights.
The answer is B. It begins before the subject was born. Correct me if I'm wrong. Also try looking it up if I am wrong lol