The Civil War For Dummies

by Keith D. Dickson

for Dummies

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The Civil War was America's trial by fire; its battles forged the nation we know today. We're still fascinated with it - the national reckoning with slavery, the legendary generals and leaders, the epic and bloody clashes of armies, the impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. We visit its battlefields - mostly idyllic patches of countryside near small towns and creeks - where more Americans died in combat than in all other wars combined, except for World War Two. And we tell its show more stories - of last charges, brother fighting brother, imprisonment and emancipation, and tragedy and rebirth. It is our country's epic; the story of how we became who we are, and what price we paid. The Civil War For Dummies is your complete introduction to this seminal conflict. Eschewing tedious historical pondering and military micro-analysis, this fun and information-rich guide gives an accurate overview of the event, from the war's causes through the fighting to the aftermath. Inside you'll discover: 1850-1860: what led to war First Bull Run: illusions lost Antietam: the bloodiest day The Emancipation Proclamation Heroes and goats of each major battle Jackson's Valley Campaign Sherman's March to the Sea Surrender at Appomattox And much more Full of sidebars and illustrations, The Civil War For Dummies brings history to life with personalities, factoids, battle reports, strategic maps, and "what ifs." In addition to the military and political history, you'll also find out about: The African American experience in the war Women and the Civil War Native Americans and the war The life of the common soldier Banking and finance systems and the war "Firsts" that make the Civil War history's first modern war Civil War food Civil War tourism: the best battlefields to visit, and how to get the most out of your trip Written in an accessible style so you can start reading at any point in the story, The Civil War For Dummies makes a great cornerstone for learning about this violent and compelling chapter of American history. show less

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Member Reviews

2 reviews
An excellent single-volume history of the Civil War for those that want to fill in the blanks of their education without getting bogged down in detail....its causes, its weapons, its battles, with information at the back aimed at travelers who wish to visit the battlefields they've read about and how to do it. Even a few tops tens at the end including The Ten Worst Civil War Generals. Maps, sidebars with interesting facts, index. Recommended reading.
This book is fun and explains the Civil War in terms that anyone should be able to understand. The information is shared in a nonthreatening way and there are some very interesting facts they have dug up!
½

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Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, History, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
973.7History & geographyHistory of North AmericaUnited StatesCivil War Era (1857-1865)
LCC
E468 .D53History of the United StatesUnited StatesCivil War period, 1861-1865The Civil War, 1861-1865
BISAC

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Members
95
Popularity
337,788
Reviews
2
Rating
½ (3.69)
Languages
English
Media
Paper, Ebook
ISBNs
3
UPCs
1