Up Next
Back to Show
The Civil War
Fort Sumter
Confederate gunners fired on Ft. Sumter in Charleston, SC on April 12, 1861. Ft. Sumter fell 34 hours later. It was a bloodless opening to the bloodiest war in American history.
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.