The American Civil War (1861-1865) is one of the greatest conflicts in the history of mankind, and the bloodiest and saddest war in American history. What began as a bitter dispute over Union and States' Rights, ended as a struggle over the meaning of freedom in America. It saw the end of slavery. It inspired men who had never strayed far from their own front doors to become soldiers in great armies, and to fight in epic battles hundreds of miles from home. It was the first modern war and the costliest, yielding at least 600,000 casualties and unprecedented domestic suffering, both spiritually and physically. As a defining moment in United States history, our Civil War has no equal, which is why it remains such a fascinating subject even today. The dramatic story of the Civil War unfolds as we relive the battles that helped save the nation, including Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
