Online Class: American Civil War

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.

Course Motivation

• Summarizes the major events of the Civil War in chronological order
• Outlines the major issues and philosophies that set the stage for the Civil War and sustained it for nearly five years
• Examines the lingering effects of the Civil War on the hearts and minds of Americans today
• Discusses the major figures of the era, highlighting their contributions to the struggle and to the overall development of the nation

By the time you complete the course, you will have a fuller understanding of one of the most decisive events in history. This course requires no previous experience in any particular area, but you should read at a high school level. All course material is provided in the lessons and through over sixty netlinks. No books are required.

Because enrollment is open 24/7, there’s no reason to put off starting. Register today.

Why might you want to study history in general and the American Civil War in particular? For many high school students history is their least-favorite subject, because they see it having no relevance in their lives. Consider, however: 

• "The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know." (President Harry S. Truman)
• "The supreme purpose of history is a better world." (President Herbert Hoover)
• "A country without a memory is a country of madmen." (Philosopher George Santayana)
• "History isn't really about the past – settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are." (Filmmaker Ken Burns)

The Civil War is far too important for Americans to know so little about its causes, major events, and the cultural and political repercussions that help form today’s world -- and tomorrow’s.

This self-paced.online course will enable you to:

• See the various factors that led to countrymen facing countrymen in vicious, bloody combat
• Understand the strategies and major battles of the early years, 1861-62
• See how the outcome of the conflict is shaped in 1863-64
• Evaluate the ending and the aftermath of this war
• Become acquainted with noteworthy individuals of the era

The course consists of twelve lessons:

Lesson 1: Civil War Terminology & Course Structure

Lesson 2: Setting the Stage: America's Path to Civil War

Lesson 3: The War Begins

Lesson 4: The War Goes West

Lesson 5: 1862 – Escalation of Battles

Lesson 6: Battles of 1862 Continued

Lesson 7: The Decisive Battles of 1863-64: Battle of Chancellorsville

Lesson 8: The Decisive Battles of 1863-64: Battle of Gettysburg

Lesson 9: The Decisive Battles of 1863-64: Battle of Vicksburg

Lesson 10: The End of the War

Lesson 11: Notable Figures of the American Civil War

Lesson 12: Summary of the Civil War

Each lesson must be completed sequentially. In order to progress to Lesson 2, you must first fully complete Lesson 1, and so on. Each lesson includes a review quiz and an assignment. Students successfully complete this course by obtaining a score of 70% or better.

The course does not require previous experience in any particular area, but you should read at the high school level. All course material is provided in the lessons and through over sixty netlinks. No books are required, but several supplementary paperback titles are recommended:

• ·The American Civil War: A Hands-on History
• ·Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Oxford History of the United States)
• ·Battles of the American Civil War  (Vital Guide)

If you encounter questions or areas that leave you confused, you can contact your instructor directly at any time by using the Class Email Forum under the Communications tab in the main classroom area. Within three or four days, his response will show up in your own email in-box.

Best of all, this class gives you the freedom to work at your own pace. There are no set days or times for lectures and there are many ways to get in touch with the instructor and your fellow classmates.

Enrollment is open 24/7, so register today.