"Discover the horror of slave life, and the Underground Railroad that helped its victims to escape. See the weapons used on the battlefields, from single-shot rifles to powerful Gatling guns. Find out how Abraham Lincoln became president in 1860 and why he was assassinated,"--Page 4 of cover.

Includes index.

The long argument -- Slave life -- The election of 1860 -- The abolitionists -- Secession -- Raising armies -- Everyone's war -- Women at war -- Young and old -- Outfitting armies -- Bull Run -- Medical treatment -- Great commanders -- Arming soldiers -- Black volumteers -- The horsemen -- Army camp life -- Field artillery -- Gettysburg -- Vicksburg -- Northern life -- Confederate culture -- War on the water -- The secret war -- march to the sea -- The Confederacy surrenders -- The fates of two leaders -- A life of freedom -- A new era begins -- Did you know? -- Timeline.