Course Syllabus

One of the most divisive and important events in American history, the Civil War (also called the War Between the States) pitted countrymen against countrymen in the new and developing republic of the United States of America.  Among the many issues at stake were the role of central government, state's rights, slavery, and the fate of the Union itself, which had borne our fledgling nation through the American Revolutionary war and the War of 1812.

 

Grim, brutal, and utterly personal, the Civil War claimed more American lives than any other war fought before or since the founding of the United States.  No other war contains such philosophical and emotional impact, since the issues and concerns that were on the hearts and minds of the politicians, statesmen, combatants, and ordinary citizens of the late nineteenth century can still be seen in evidence even in modern times.  No modern politician can ignore or discount the attitudes and mindsets the were forged in the Civil War and expect a measure of success--for many of those attitudes for both the North and the South still thrive in American society, culture, and debate.

 

This course attempts to briefly summarize and present the major events and battles related to the War Between the States in chronological order.  In addition, this course will set forth the major political issues and philosophies that set the stage for the Civil War, sustained the conflict, and continue to linger on to this day in the hearts and minds of most Americans.  Finally, a list of the major figures related to the Civil War will be presented to highlight each notable person's contributions to the struggle itself and to the overall development of our nation.