The American Civil War revolutionized the nation's social, economic, and political landscape, leading to changes in racial equality and constitutional rights.
The American Civil War revolutionized the nation's social, economic, and political landscape, leading to changes in racial equality and constitutional rights.
This introductory course examines the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, focusing on its political, social, and economic impacts. It covers key topics such as emancipation, the role of black soldiers, Lincoln's leadership, internal dissent, changing women's roles, and the war's long-term effects. The course also introduces the beginnings of Reconstruction.
4.6
(10 ratings)
Instructors:
English
English
What you'll learn
Understand the political, social, and economic changes during the Civil War
Analyze the road to emancipation and its impact on the war
Examine the role of black soldiers in the Civil War
Evaluate Abraham Lincoln's wartime leadership
Explore internal dissent in both the Union and Confederacy
Assess the changing position of women during the war
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, focusing on its transformative impact on American society. While it covers military engagements, the primary emphasis is on the political, social, and economic changes in both the Union and the Confederacy. Key topics include the road to emancipation, the role of black soldiers, Abraham Lincoln's wartime leadership, internal dissent in both North and South, changing women's roles, and the war's long-term economic and intellectual impacts. The course also introduces the beginnings of Reconstruction during the conflict. It is part of a broader XSeries on the Civil War and Reconstruction, exploring this pivotal era in American history and its lasting effects on national identity, citizenship, and concepts of freedom and equality.
Introduction to the Civil War
Module 1
The First Year of the War
Module 2
The Coming of Emancipation
Module 3
The Black Soldier
Module 4
The Confederacy
Module 5
The Impact of the Civil War
Module 6
Toward Union Victory
Module 7
Beginnings of Reconstruction and the End of the War
Module 8
Fee Structure
Instructors

6 Courses
Preeminent Historian of American Civil War and Reconstruction Era
Eric Foner, the DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, is one of the most distinguished historians in the United States. His research focuses on the intersections of intellectual, political, and social history, particularly American race relations, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. Foner's prolific career includes authoring over twenty books, with notable works such as "Gateway To Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad" (2015) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery" (2010). As the only person to serve as president of all three major professional historical organizations in his field, Foner's influence extends beyond academia. He is renowned for his public engagement, including curating historical exhibitions and frequent media appearances. At Columbia, Foner teaches a comprehensive series on the Civil War and Reconstruction, sharing his expertise with students and the public alike. His work has significantly shaped modern understanding of 19th century American history, cementing his status as a leading authority on this crucial period in U.S. history.

6 Courses
Graduate Student and Writer on American History and Politics
Tim Shenk is a graduate student in history at Columbia University, bringing a fresh perspective to the study of American history and politics. His academic pursuits are complemented by his work as a writer, with publications in notable outlets such as The Nation, Dissent, and Jacobin. Shenk's scholarly interests are evident in his authorship of "Maurice Dobb: Political Economist," demonstrating his engagement with economic history and political thought. At Columbia, he contributes to the instruction of a comprehensive series on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, including courses on the pivotal periods of 1850-1861, 1861-1865, and 1865-1890. This involvement in teaching underscores his developing expertise in 19th-century American history, particularly the tumultuous Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Shenk's combination of academic study, published writing, and teaching experience positions him as an emerging voice in the field of American historical scholarship.
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4.6 course rating
10 ratings
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