Skip to main content

Up Next

Back to Show
The Civil War

Was it Not Real?

Four million slaves were freed yet it would take another century for African Americans to win 'freedom.' History is not 'was' but 'is.' Until we treat each other as equals the Civil War will never be over.

Support Provided By
1865: "War Is All Hell"/"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
Unlock with PBS Passport
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"
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:18:35
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:34:49
Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:21:25
Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
1861: "The Cause"
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:40:58
Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights.
Active loading indicator