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The Civil War
1865: The War's Final Year
In 1865, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery—yet the same year saw the Ku Klux Klan take shape. Explore the promise and peril of the Civil War's final year, as the Confederacy collapses and Lincoln begins the work of reuniting a divided nation. Ken Burns's The Civil War reveals a year of meanness and greatness that reshaped America.
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2:14:38
Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends.
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2:18:35
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
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2:34:49
Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
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2:21:25
Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
1:40:58
Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights.