More than 150 years after the end of the American Civil War, the story of America’s bloodiest conflict remains a potent one – a defining period in the formation of the United States as we know it today. In this bookazine we explore the American Civil War through investigating its key events, significant battles and its most influential figures. Through expert analysis, a wealth of authentic artefacts, spectacular photography, and eyewitness

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An epic story of a nation--and a family--divided by fate, love, loyalty, and war. . . America, 1861. Battle lines have been drawn between the North and the South, pitting state against state--and brother against brother. For the three young sons of Ohio State Senator Clay Bell, the Civil War would change not only their lives, but the destinies of future generations. Jacob Bell, the eldest, defies his father's wishes to run the family law practice...

In mid-April, Grant boldly ordered the Navy to run past Vicksburg's guns, ferried his troops across the south of the city, marched inland to seize Jackson, Mississippi, and then besieged Vicksburg. With skillful marching, Rosecrans pinned Bragg in Chattanooga.

In Virginia, the Union army suffered two setbacks along the Rappahannock. Lee threw back Burnside's costly frontal assaults at Fredericksburg on December 13. The talented, ambitious Joseph Hooker soon took command. He planned a brilliant offensive that began well at the end of April 1863, but Lee and Jackson had other plans.

After besting John Pope at Second Manassas in late August, Lee marched north into Maryland. Lincoln reluctantly returned command to McClellan, whose pursuit of Lee culminated at Antietam on September 17, the bloodiest day in American history. What happened on that battlefield? What did it mean?

During the conflict, thousands of slaves made their way to Union lines. Their plight was often hard and uncertain. Nearly 180,000 black men, most of them former slaves, wore Union blue. The "US Colored Troops" faced obstacles and injustices, yet their solid service made a strong case for full citizenship.

After Spotsylvania, Lee entrenched at Cold Harbor, Virginia. On June 3, Grant launched a futile and costly frontal assault. On June 12, he began one of the most impressive movements of the war, nearly taking Petersburg on June 15. By June 19, however, the opportunity had passed. Grant began a siege.

As Stonewall Jackson marched and fought in the Shenandoah Valley, Joseph E. Johnston attacked McClellan at Seven Pines or Fair Oaks. When Johnston was wounded, Robert E. Lee took command. In the Seven Days' Battles, he seized the initiative and pressed the Federals south to the James. Lee had saved Richmond and offset Union success in the West.

The war changed women's lives in ways dramatic and subtle, lasting and temporary. Although anxiety, grief, and hardship were felt on both sides, women in the CSA suffered most directly from the war. To black women, the war brought emancipation and the opportunity to solidify marriage and family ties. The front drew more women than might seem likely.

After Atlanta fell, Hood tried to draw Sherman northward. Sherman followed briefly before deciding to cut loose from his supply lines on his famous March to the Sea, implementing the "strategy of exhaustion" in the Confederate interior.