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Between 1775 and 1865, the United States of America fought three defining conflicts. The American Revolution (1775-1783) gave us our independence. The War of 1812 (1812-1815) secured that independence, giving notice to the monarchies of Europe that we would not allow interference in our affairs. The Civil War (1861-1865) decided just what kind of nation America would be. On this page you will find some of our best content organized into collections. Tour these groupings to learn more about the wars that defined America.

Area of Interest

Brothers In Valor

Modern Medal of Honor recipients visit historic battlefields to walk in the footsteps of their Civil War forebearers who fought so bravely, in...
A picture of a Medal of Honor on top of an American flag
Civil War  |  Area of Interest

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor, created during the Civil War, is the United States’ highest military decoration for acts of valor in combat.
Portraits of women in war
Area of Interest

Women in War

Women had a vital role in America's early conflicts — participating, supporting, and organizing. Studying their involvement gives a broader...
Illustration of Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg Address to a massive crowd
Civil War  |  Area of Interest

The Gettysburg Address

Learn more about one of the greatest speeches in American history, President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
Area of Interest

Technology

Learn more about the technology used in the wars that defined America.
A black and white photograph of men advertising with signs posted on their horse and buggies
Civil War  |  Area of Interest

Photography in the Civil War

Learn more about photography during the Civil War, from techniques used in the 1860s — including 3-D photography — to what photos can reveal about...
Abraham Lincoln - Commander in Chief
Civil War  |  Area of Interest

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. Sworn in on March 4, 1861, he faced a nation in crisis. Enraged by the election of a candidate...
Area of Interest

African Americans in America's Wars

The American Civil War is often conceptualized as a conflict between white northerners and white southerners, during which black slaves and free...
Area of Interest

Battlefield Archaeology

Battlefield archaeology is essential to improving our understanding the conflicts that defined America — uncovering the stories where records are...