The Civil War Era

Introduction

The Civil War was about . . .

--Growth and Limits

--Slavery and Freedom

--North and South

--East and West

--Men and Women

--Government and Constitutions

--Rights and Responsibilities

--Past and Future

Among the characters we’ll meet are . . .

Among the events we’ll examine are . . .

We’ll see the United States change dramatically during this time . . .

We’ll hear stirring words . . .

“. . . With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

“ . . . The generation that carried on the war has been set apart by its experience. Through our great good fortune, in our youth our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing.”

“I may say if this war is to be forgotten, I ask in the name of all things sacred what shall men remember? “

We’ll explore glory and horror . . .

. . . and a few unresolved issues.

And examine the war’s relevance to contemporary life!