The American Civil War: A Union Divided

The first episode of the series sets the scene for opening of hostilities. It looks at the make-up of America in the years leading up to the war and explores the various economic and cultural issues that made the conflict inevitable. The programme investigates the institution of slavery and explains what it meant to be a slave in the southern states.

The second episode looks at the early weeks of the war and explains the events leading up to the battle of First Bull Run - the battle that people thought would decide the outcome of the war. We see and hear the story of the battle and how the Confederate defeat sent Washington into a panic.

There was now disillusionment with the war in both the north and the south and sickness and disease in the armies. The programme looks at conditions in the forces of both sides and tells the story of the incredible southern victory at Chancellorsville in May 1863. It looks at death of 'Stonewall' Jackson and the effect it had on the southern cause.

The programme chronicles the final defeat of the Confederacy. Charleston, then Petersburg, then the capital Richmond fell. By April 9th 1865, Palm Sunday, General Lee knew all hope was lost and surrendered his army to Grant amid emotional scenes at Appomattox Court House, in Virginia.