U.S Civil War

The United States Civil War was a defining moment for the country.  Over the course of four long, bloody years the conflict would change the fabric of the United States and herald the industrial age that was to follow.

The Civil War is one of the most studied wars in history.  While this does mean that there is no shortage of resources available, it can also be daunting.  It is important, then, to narrow your research into one or more aspects of the war.  By narrowing your focus, you also help yourself find the resources that are relevant to your goals.

Here are a few categories that may help you focus your research:

Civil War Figures

One common focus is on the historical figures of the war.  These can include both political leaders as well as military commanders.  Several such figures penned their own memoirs, while others are the subjects of biographies written after their deaths.

It is always best to know the name, year of birth and year of death of the general or politician you are seeking.  If you know the subject's name, you can limit your results by "Biography" or by different formats, such as books or video.  A search for Abraham Lincoln might be further narrowed by searching "Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865."

Abraham Lincoln: A Biography.  This classic, first published in 1953, is one of the first biographies on Lincoln to avoid romanticizing the president.  Instead, it portrays the sixteenth president as a shrewd and complex man.

From Manassas to Appomattox: Memoirs of the Civil War in America.  James Longstreet is a controversial general, and is often scapegoated for the Confederacy's loss at the battle of Gettysburg.  Here, in his own words, Longstreet recalls his life and his campaigns during the Civil War.

Grant.  This 2017 biography is noted for its meticulous attention to detail and evenhanded coverage of Grant's lifelong struggle with alcoholism.  

"Bayonet!  Forward!"  Often credited with saving the Union Army at Gettysburg, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is a fascinating figure.  This volume collects some of his most important writings and addresses.

Civil War Battles

The Civil War featured hundreds of battles, both large and small, between the Union and the Confederacy.  Many of the most pivotal battles are the subject of much writing by scholars and military historians.  

When researching individual battles, it is often best to start with materials available from the relevant battle site.  The National Parks Service maintains these historic locations, and often have official histories of the battle.  Biographies and memoirs of the generals present at the battle will also provide insight into the actions of those commanders.

Battle of Gettysburg.  This is one example of an official history of a battle, provided by the National Military Park Commission.

Shiloh: The Battle That Changed the Civil War.  This is an example of an in-depth analysis of a battle.  Here the author examines the historical and political context of the Battle of Shiloh, as well as recounting the battle from a number of perspectives.

The Vicksburg Campaign.  This volume covers the actors, actions and circumstances of the Battle of Vicksburg, the battle that split the Confederacy in two.

Rising in Flames: Sherman's March and the Fight for a New Nation.  This book explores Sherman's epic March to the Sea and how it affected the South for years to come.

Civil War Perspectives

The Civil War is more than a story of generals and battles: it is fundamentally a story about people.  The following resources focus on the perspectives of ordinary people--soldiers and civilians alike--during the war.  When searching for resources, look for resources that make extensive use of primary sources, such as contemporary letters and records.  The National Archives have a vast collections of documents and records from that period.

Freedom's Soldiers: The Black Military Experience in the Civil War.  This book explores what the Civil War was like for the black soldiers and sailors that fought for the Union.

Under Siege!  Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg.  This book looks at the Battle of Vicksburg from the perspective of the civilians caught in the siege.  In particular, it explores the experiences of three children (two Confederates and the son of Ulysses S. Grant) that experienced the battle first hand.

The War for the Common Soldier.  Histories of war too often focus on the lives and trials of the commanders.  This book sheds light on the experiences of regular enlisted men during the conflict.

Silent Witness: The Civil War Through Photography and its Photographers.  The Civil War was the first war to be extensively documented with photographs.  This book explores how these early photographers worked, and how their pictures helped change the course of the war.