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The Civil War
Secessionitis
In 1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected President, and the South was horrified. Seven Southern states seceded in the time between Lincoln's election and inauguration. The Confederacy inaugurated Mississippi senator Jefferson Davis as President. Introduction to Mary Chesnut, wife of a prominent Southern planter and diarist.
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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.
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1:40:58
Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights.