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The Civil War
A House Divided
In the 1850s, slavery split the nation. Uncle Tom's Cabin moved readers worldwide, Bleeding Kansas erupted in violence, and the Supreme Court's Dred Scott decision denied Black Americans citizenship. In the Senate, Preston Brooks beat Charles Sumner with a cane. Then Lincoln warned: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." From Ken Burns's The Civil War.
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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.