The Civil War for Dummies

The Civil War for Dummies

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The Civil War was America’s trial by fire; its battles forged the nation we know today. We’re still fascinated with it – the national reckoning with slavery, the legendary generals and leaders, the epic and bloody clashes of armies, the impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. We visit its battlefields – mostly idyllic patches of countryside near small towns and creeks – where more Americans died in combat than in all other wars combined, except for World War Two. And we tell its stories – of last charges, brother fighting brother, imprisonment and emancipation, and tragedy and rebirth. It is our country’s epic; the story of how we became who we are, and what price we paid. <p><i>The Civil War For Dummies</i> is your complete introduction to this seminal conflict. Eschewing tedious historical pondering and military micro-analysis, this fun and information-rich guide gives an accurate overview of the event, from the war’s causes through the fighting to the aftermath. Inside you’ll discover:</p> <ul> <li>1850-1860: what led to war</li> <li>First Bull Run: illusions lost</li> <li>Antietam: the bloodiest day</li> <li>The Emancipation Proclamation</li> <li>Heroes and goats of each major battle</li> <li>Jackson’s Valley Campaign</li> <li>Sherman’s March to the Sea</li> <li>Surrender at Appomattox</li> <li>And much more</li> </ul> <p>Full of sidebars and illustrations, <i>The Civil War For Dummies</i> brings history to life with personalities, factoids, battle reports, strategic maps, and “what ifs.” In addition to the military and political history, you’ll also find out about:</p> <ul> <li>The African American experience in the war</li> <li>Women and the Civil War</li> <li>Native Americans and the war</li> <li>The life of the common soldier</li> <li>Banking and finance systems and the war</li> <li>“Firsts” that make the Civil War history’s first modern war</li> <li>Civil War food</li> <li>Civil War tourism: the best battlefields to visit, and how to get the most out of your trip</li> </ul> <p>Written in an accessible style so you can start reading at any point in the story, <i>The Civil War For Dummies</i> makes a great cornerstone for learning about this violent and compelling chapter of American history.</p>