Up Next
Back to Show
The Civil War
The 54th Massachusetts
Though less than 1% of the North's population, Black men made up nearly one-tenth of the Union Army by war's end. Discover the 54th Massachusetts and its assault on Fort Wagner, where Sgt. William Carney saved the flag and earned the Medal of Honor. Hear the words of Frederick Douglass and his son Lewis, a sergeant in the regiment. From Ken Burns's The Civil War.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:14:38
Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends.
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:18:35
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:34:49
Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
Unlock with PBS Passport
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.