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The American Civil War

By: Gary W. Gallagher, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Gary W. Gallagher
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Summary

Between 1861 and 1865, the clash of the greatest armies the Western hemisphere had ever seen turned small towns, little-known streams, and obscure meadows in the American countryside into names we will always remember. In those great battles, those streams ran red with blood - and the United States was truly born.

If you've ever wanted to understand the Civil War, this series of 48 startlingly evocative lectures by a leading Civil War historian can serve as both an ideal single course or a solid starting point for further exploration - a richly detailed examination of how this great conflict affected every person in America. For you'll gain not only a deep knowledge of what happened, but new insights into why.

You'll learn how both sides' armies were recruited, equipped, and trained, and about the hard lot of those they took prisoner. You'll hear how soldiers on each of those sides dealt with the rigors of camp life, campaigns, and the terror of combat. And you'll understand how slaves and their falling masters responded to the advancing war, as well as the desperate price paid by the families so many left behind.

Though this series of lectures goes far beyond a simple examination of battles and generals, it also offers detailed analyses of the strategic and tactical dimensions of the Civil War's most important campaigns. At the same time, it never forgets that the conflict involved far more than pins on a map - and indeed claimed a greater cost in human lives than all other American wars combined.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses
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Editor reviews

Prominent American Civil War Historian Professor Gary W. Gallagher examines this merciless part of American history in The American Civil War, part of the Modern History series by The Great Courses. In this unabridged historical series narrated by Gallagher, listeners hear the war’s history, an analysis on how it started and what life was like for those caught within it. The most ruthless and deadly war America has ever seen is its own Civil War that ultimately led to the formation of the United States of America as it is known today. This book captures the birth of modern America. Available now from Audible.

What listeners say about The American Civil War

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incredibly interesting & well told

Incredibly interesting due to the format & the narrator's obivious love & knowledge of the subject.
Really enjoyable.

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This is a filling feast of knowledge

I knew very little about the American Civil War. Now I know a lot. Excellent lectures delivered by a master of the subject.

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A Joy

I enjoyed listening to this very much and ended up getting through it very quickly - couldn’t wait for the following lecture.
It seemed that every aspect of the conflict was covered, both North & South; pace, tone and accent was just right.
Highly recommended!

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Nice introduction to the conflict

The series provides a sound overview of the war and introduces themes that warrant greater study. A fine introduction to the subject.

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Magisterial account

Fantastic coverage of all aspects of the civil war. The presenter presents competing perspectives and interpretations giving listeners a real sense of key debates. The political, social and military dimensions are all covered thoroughly. The first two i personally find most interesting so I admit to skipping some of the battle accounts. This is possible as each lecture is a relatively self-contained episode. Excellent.

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A college course in an audiobook - fantastic!

If you could sum up The American Civil War in three words, what would they be?

In-depth, exciting and extremely informative!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Colonel Ellsworth - fascinating man with an almost unbelievable life story.

Have you listened to any of Professor Gary W. Gallagher’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No I haven't, but he's an excellent orator!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The start of the Civil War and the spark that ignited its fuse in Fort Sumter.

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Great account well presented

An excellent introduction to the American Civil War. Next up try Gary G's account of Lee and his generals.

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Really gripping

I loved the enthusiasm in the lectures and the way the civil war was split into smaller chunks

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Brilliant, but could be perceived as tedious.

I thought this lecture was engaging and the architecture of how it’s put together brilliant.
Much much more in-depth then I initially thought. But that I think says more about my naivety then anything els. In my opinion this lecture would be essential listening for any body studying the American civil war. The detail is outstanding and I truly think no stone was left unturned.

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Intriguing to the end

A fascinating, informative, and richly detailed construction of the American Civil War from beginning to end.
Expertly narrated, and engaging throughout.

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