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The Civil War

Q & A: Civil War Interest

Ken Burns shares how his interest in the Civil War came about after noticing it was the central event in American History.

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The Civil War Season 1
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2:14:38
Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends.
1864: "Valley of the Shadow of Death"/"Most Hallowed Ground"
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2:18:35
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
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2:34:49
Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
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2:21:25
Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
1861: "The Cause"
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1:40:58
Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights.
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