In addition to touring eight national park service battlefields as they are today, the program gives a full account of the famous events that took place in each, describing in detail the history of the Civil War in Virginia.

It began with the Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861 and ended four years later with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the eradication of slavery in America. Based on the writings of Pulitzer Prize-winning author James McPherson, Images of the Civil War features the acclaimed artwork of Mort Künstler and dramatic re-enactments that bring the infamous war between the States to life. Künstler's work is known for its stunning attention to detail and its historical accuracy. Here, his paintings and illustrations offer a unique view of Civil War scenes that were not captured by the battlefield photographers and artists of the day, while stirring re-enactments portray the chaos and brutality of famous events like Pickett's charge and the Irish brigade's stand at Fredericksburg.

During America's Civil War, there came the evolution of pistols and rifles and artillery that would forever change the way in which humankind would fight its wars. Within the names that would forever establish themselves in the annals of weaponry - Colt, Winchester, Smith & Wesson - lies a different story of the Civil War.

Based on the best-selling book by Drew Gilpin Faust, this film will explore how the American Civil War created a "republic of suffering" and will chart the far-reaching social, political, and social changes brought about by the pervasive presence and fear of death during the Civil War.

This critically acclaimed television and video series from the National Museum of American History is a sweeping and compelling look at the war's military, political and social history. Each episode features dramatic reenactments of important campaigns; first-hand accounts of eyewitnesses and participants read by distinguished actors; period photographs, paintings and artifacts; intriguing expert challenges to traditional historical thinking; original contemporary illustrations; computer enhanced maps; and music of the time.

The English Civil War (1642–1651) was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Royalists (Cavaliers) over, principally, the manner of England's government. The first (1642–46) and second (1648–49) wars pitted the supporters of King Charles I against the supporters of the Long Parliament, while the third (1649–51) saw fighting between supporters of King Charles II and supporters of the Rump Parliament. The war ended with the Parliamentarian victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651. This programme charts the lead up to the war and its outbreak, setting the scene for the following programmes in the series.

In the midst of the Civil War, a wife saves the day by swapping places with her captured and soon-to-be-executed husband.

The American Civil War is one of the most studied military conflicts the world over. There have been numerous books, films and documentaries that have looked at almost every aspect of the war, yet none have taken you directly to the battle lines to see the action from the soldier's point of view. With the help of several thousand history re-enactors, The Civil War goes beyond the fog of war and allows you to experience the glory and heartache of the battles that changed war forever. Through personal letters, official reports and diaries, viewers will come to understand not only the battle but also the political and personal reasons why our nation took up arms.

This soon-to-be classic documentary mini-series traces the causes, courses as well as the major events and personalities of the American Civil War. Between 1861 and 1865, this epic American story of struggle and survival was written in blood, and in this series is told mostly from first-hand accounts and in the spoken words of the participants themselves, through their diaries, letters, and memoirs. The series concludes with Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House and the surrender of the western Confederate Army to Sherman in North Carolina in the spring of 1865. It then explores the legacy of slavery and the consequences and meaning of a war that transformed the country forever.

This is the story of the war that changed the course of Spanish history...the struggle between the supporters and opponents of the Spanish Second Republic, which raged between 1936 and 1939. During the war, new names were written large in world history; names such as the International Brigade and the Nationalist General Franco, who lead his side to ultimate victory. Featuring fascinating archive film and location footage, plus dramatised 'eye-witness' accounts, 'The Spanish Civil War' is an intriguing account of a dark and divided period of Spanish history. With many photographic images plus interviews with surviving members of the International Brigade, the programme also features expert interpretation and analysis to provide historical and political background to the war.

Documentary short about the American Civil War

It's still the bloodiest war ever fought by the United States. The Civil War divided a nation, pitted brother against brother, friend against friend, family against family and nearly destroyed a nation. When it was over the country was decimated, worn and beaten, but the American spirit was stronger than ever and freedom for all peoples had been upheld and preserved. No one loves war, but as it showed us, the cost of freedom isn't free!

Shiloh was one of the largest amphibious campaigns ever waged by an American Army. It was a brutal Civil War battle that where one in four who fought was killed or wounded. Highlights the 135th Anniversary Reenactment with 13,000 participants of the Tennessee battle, along with archival photos, digital effects, first-person accounts and narration.

Even today, almost 150 years after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, unexpected secrets and little known stories continue to emerge from Civil War history. In this outstanding 4-DVD set from HISTORY, archival letters, original diary entries, sophisticated cinematic reenactments, and interviews with the country's most renowned historians bring these buried events vividly to life. In the cavalry charge at Mine Creek in Kansas, it took only 30 minutes for 3,800 Union troops to defeat an enemy force more than double in size, and yet, few people have heard of it. The same can be said of a Confederate raid on Vermont and an attempt by Union coal miners to blow up a Southern fort by tunneling underneath it. Each of these nine fascinating programs explores incidents not covered in textbooks or lecture halls -- the ones that add excitement, meaning, and nuance to history. Once you've watched this captivating set, the Civil War will never look the same.

In the annals of the Civil War, the great battles dominate. Names like Gettysburg, Chancellorsville or Antietam are famous by sheer weight of blood and horror. Where armies of men by the tens of thousands opposed each other, these were the vast, open, visible spectacles of the conflict. But the well-worn archives of that time are also filled with the details of far lesser-known actions, like the Confederate attempt to burn down New York City. They were clever, daring, covert operations designed to frighten the enemy, disrupt his supplies, and destroy his morale. Clandestine plans, fueled by ingenuity and bravado, they defied the odds for a chance at success. This feature-length special explores these little-known but exciting acts of ingenuity and bravery.

A three-part examination of the U.S. Civil War (1861-65) begins in the spring of 1861 with the rending of the American democratic experiment and the start of hostilities.

Looking at the birth of America's first intelligence units, set in motion in by President Lincoln himself in the early days of the war; exploring a spy who broke the boundaries of gender and race.

This documentary examines the experiences of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, using interviews with survivors more than 50 years later. First, the film sets the context with the rise of Fascism. Then, in 1936, Spain's military revolts against the elected government, and the U.S. and Europe agree not to intervene. In response, volunteers snuck past border guards into Spain to fight with the Republicans. The men and women veterans describe the perils of reaching Spain, limited training, responsibilities of command thrust on the very young, deprivations of a soldier's life, lack of matériel, horrible rates of casualties, and ultimate vindication at the end of World War II.