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The Cause

The Cause

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Fort Sumter

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1861: "The Cause"

1861: "The Cause"

Season 1 Episode 1
1:40:58
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The Civil War

Secessionitis

In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected President, and the South was horrified. Seven Southern states seceded in the time between Lincoln's election and inauguration. The Confederacy inaugurated Mississippi senator Jefferson Davis as President. Introduction to Mary Chesnut, wife of a prominent Southern planter and diarist.

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1865: "War Is All Hell"/"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
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2:14:38
Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends.
1864: "Valley of the Shadow of Death"/"Most Hallowed Ground"
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2:18:35
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
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2:34:49
Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
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2:21:25
Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
1861: "The Cause"
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1:40:58
Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights.
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