Learn About the Civil War in 15 Minutes | American Battlefield Trust
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Learn About the Civil War in 15 Minutes

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Short on time and want to get an overview of the Civil War?

Learn about the Civil War in 15 minutes.

Here's how to get started:
  1. Read a brief overview of the American Civil War. This short article gives a brief overview of the war and focuses on the causes of the war.
  2. Watch The War Between the States In4. This short gives a very brief overview of the entire war: the lead-up, the conflict, and the aftermath.
  3. Browse the Civil War Timeline to help put the war’s events into context and relationships. 

Total time: 15 minutes 

Do you have another 45 minutes? Click here to learn more about the Civil War 

Learn More

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Curious about the kind of impact a good — or bad! — map could have upon a general on the field? Learn about how inaccurate maps at affected Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnise at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Court House.
Military Engagements of the Civil War
VIDEO | Historian Sam Smith explains the terms “skirmish” and “battle,” and how these engagements made up campaigns. This video is part of the American Battlefield Trust's In4 video series, which presents short videos on basic Civil War topics.
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Watch our animated map of the 1862 Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., produced by Wide Awake Films.
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This article gives ten important facts about the use of artillery during the American Civil War.
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Historian Terry Winschel describes the important role that the Federal naval forces played in the Vicksburg Campaign.
Civil War Facts
Facts and frequently asked questions relating to the American Civil War. Many elements of Civil War scholarship are still hotly debated. The facts on this page are based on the soundest information available. We provide facts, dates, figures, tables, and clarification of common misconceptions.
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