Learn About the Civil War in 15 Minutes | American Battlefield Trust
Civil War - Battle of Atlanta
Library of Congress
Civil War

Learn About the Civil War in 15 Minutes

You are here

Home › Learn About the Civil War in 15 Minutes
SHARE THIS
 
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

How Inaccurate Maps Repeatedly Thwarted Union Major General Ambrose E. Burnside
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.
Shiloh Animated Map
Watch our animated map of the 1862 Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., produced by Wide Awake Films.
10 Facts: Civil War Artillery
This article gives ten important facts about the use of artillery during the American Civil War.
Federal Naval Operations in the Vicksburg Campaign
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.
The Entire Civil War Animated Map Landscape
Civil War
Animated Map
The Civil War Animated Map
Vicksburg Animated Map Landscape
Vicksburg Animated Map Landscape
Civil War
Animated Map
Vicksburg Animated Map
Civil War 1864 Virtual Reality Video Series
Civil War 1864 Virtual Reality Video Series
Video
Civil War 1864: A Virtual Reality Experience, Full Version
Civil War Rations landscape
Civil War
Video
Civil War Rations
Artillery In4 Landscape.png
Civil War
Video
Artillery in the Civil War
Shiloh Animated Map Square
Shiloh Animated Map Landscape
Civil War
Animated Map
Shiloh Animated Map
52,000
ACRES SAVED

The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 52,000 acres in 24 states!

SEE THE LAND WE'VE SAVED
pre-footer-american-battlefield-trust-icon.png

Shop and Preserve 

Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. Every purchase supports the mission.

BROWSE THE STORE

pre_footer_2.jpg

Give with Confidence!

The Majority of our funds go directly to Preservation and Education.

OUR FINANCIALS