Relive the greatest crisis ever faced by the United States as this unique documentary traces the history of the Civil War from its origins through to the final tragic act of Lincoln's assassination. Witness four years of terrible campaigns that cut a swath of destruction from Virginia to the Mississippi River and beyond.
Recounted in over six captivating hours, the battles and leaders of the American Civil War are brought to life with fresh perspectives and new insight. Come with us as we unlock the secrets of this fascinating time, a crucible of violence from which a stronger nation emerged, ready to face the challenges of a changing world.
A House Divided - Trace the roots of the Civil War through the opening stages of the fighting at Bull Run and beyond. In the West, bloody battles are fought at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Stones River as the Union slowly cuts the South in two along the Mississippi River. In the East, the Confederates outmaneuver the Union armies in their defense of Richmond. An ill-planned invasion of Maryland ends in Confederate disaster at Antietam, but Robert E. Lee's Army remains unbroken and inflicts a terrible defeat upon the Union Army at Fredericksburg only two months later.
The Terrible Swift Sword - The tide of war changes decisively against the South as Grant takes Vicksburg. Meanwhile in the East, Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North is thrown back during three bloody days at Gettysburg. In early 1864, Grant takes supreme command of all Union armies and plans a grand offensive against the COnfederates on all fronts. Staring in May, Grant unleashes his campaign against Robert E. Lee, and the two sides suffer tens of thousands of casualties at Wilderness, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor.
The Union Restored - Grant and Lee are locked in siege warfare at Petersburg. With Lee pinned down, Sherman strikes at the heart of the Confederacy and captures Atlanta. In November, 1984, Lincoln's re-election dooms Confederate hopes for a negotiated peace. Sherman undertakes his famous March to the Sea then heads north to join with Grant. In the spring, Lee tried to escape from Grant's grip at Petersburg, only to see his army disintegrate. In April, 1965, he surrenders his tattered force. At war's end, Lincoln stands poised to be benevolent in peace, but an assassin's bullet dooms any hope of easy reconciliation.
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