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Causes of War: The War Begins

Related Article: Learn more about the history of the American Civil War.

After a day and a half of bombardment by the CSA forces, the Union Fort Sumter surrendered. Virginia seceded, and by June 1861, three more states had joined the Confederacy.
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Causes of War: April 12, 1861

Causes of War: April 12, 1861 (0:27)

When Southern rebels fired on the Union’s Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, the Civil War officially began.

Causes of War: A Virginian Family

Causes of War: A Virginian Family (2:35)

Families with ties to both the North and South were split in half.

Causes of War: The War Begins

Causes of War: The War Begins (0:58)

After a day and a half of bombardment by the CSA forces, the Union Fort Sumter surrendered. Virginia seceded, and by June 1861, three more states had joined the Confederacy.

American Civil War: Uniforms

American Civil War: Uniforms (0:46)

The housing, training, and dress of army volunteers is discussed.

American Civil War: Entertainment

American Civil War: Entertainment (1:08)

During the long periods between battles, soldiers wrote and read letters, sang songs, and played cards.

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American Civil War: 1863 through 1865

American Civil War: 1863 through 1865 (32:11)

After the Emancipation Proclamation, the tide began to turn toward the North's favor with important victories by Meade at Gettysburg and Sherman in Georgia. Lee eventually surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.

American Civil War: 1861 through 1862

American Civil War: 1861 through 1862 (36:32)

The Civil War began at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. Eleven Southern states seceded to form the Confederate States of America. Both sides mistakenly thought the war would be short.

The Causes of War: Abraham Lincoln Elected President

The Causes of War: Abraham Lincoln Elected President (5:49)

Abraham Lincoln was elected president, and in February, 1861, seven states declared their independence and formed the Confederate States of America.

The Causes of War: The United States in the Mid 1800s

The Causes of War: The United States in the Mid 1800s (15:43)

Disputes over slavery continued to widen the gulf between the North and South in the mid-1800s.

American History: Battling Beyond US Borders

American History: Battling Beyond US Borders (56:00)

This video is comprised of four segments: 1) Looking to Foreign Lands; 2) The Story of the USS Maine; 3) Resistance at the Alamo; and 4) Crossing the Northern Border.

America Becomes a World Power: Video Quiz

America Becomes a World Power: Video Quiz (0:30)

Take a look at this brief quiz and test your knowledge of US foreign policy.

America Becomes a World Power: Foreign Policy

America Becomes a World Power: Foreign Policy (5:24)

Theodore Roosevelt carried a “Big Stick” in his dealings with other nations, while William Howard Taft encouraged investment abroad. Take a look at this video to learn more about the history of U.S. foreign policy.

America Becomes a World Power: The Open Door Policy

America Becomes a World Power: The Open Door Policy (3:28)

The U.S. sought to establish the Open Door Policy with regard to trade with China. “Boxers” sought to drive foreigners out of China, but were defeated when foreign forces marched on Peking.

America Becomes a World Power: Opening Japan

America Becomes a World Power: Opening Japan (1:49)

In the early 1850s, Matthew Perry’s U.S. flotilla sailed to Japan and forced that country to open its ports to trade.

Abraham Lincoln: The Battle of Gettysburg

Abraham Lincoln: The Battle of Gettysburg (1:03)

The 1863 Battle of Gettysburg was a bloody Union victory. Afterward, Lincoln dedicated a cemetery to those who died in the battle while fighting for freedom and democracy.