Examines the causes, major battles, military leaders, and effects of the American Civil War.

King cotton and his slaves -- Abolitionists begin their attacks -- The Road to war -- Union vs. Confederate resources -- 1861: Fighting begins -- Two presidents and their problems -- 1862: The terrible hand of war -- Grant, Lee, and other commanders -- War on the waters -- 1863: The beginning of the end -- Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks -- Blacks and the door to freedom -- Diseases, wounds, and death -- 1864: Tightening the noose -- Life on the homefront -- 1865: The birth of a nation -- Why the Civil War still lives -- Chronology.