Arguably one of the most significant periods in US history, the American Civil War era continues to fascinate. In this essential reference guide to the period, Hugh Tulloch examines the war itself, alongside the political, constitutional, social, economic, literary and religious developments and trends that informed and were formed by the turbulent events that took place during America's nineteenth century.

Key themes examined here are:

• emancipation and the quest for racial justice
• abolitionism and debates regarding freedom versus slavery
• the...