The American Civil War caused upheaval and massive private bereavement, but the years 1861-1865 also defined a great nation.This book provides a concise introduction to events from the secession to the end of the war. It focuses on the military progress of the war; Union and Confederate politics; social change - particularly the emancipation of North American slavesThe social history associated with the war is dealt with alongside the familiar military and political events. This inclusive approach allows the reader to consider equally the history of men and women, blacks and whites in the...