American Civil War

The American Civil War transformed the nature of conflict. Its opening salvos harked back to Waterloo; its end anticipated the industrial warfare of the 20th century, writes David White.

John Spiller surveys race relations in the United States during Reconstruction and constructs a balance sheet.

Mark Bryant examines how cartoonists saw the most traumatic years of American history.

Gervase Phillips examines the extent and significance of an often misunderstood phenomenon.

Gervase Phillips points out the limitations in a common interpretation.

Richard Cavendish describes the massacre of the 'slave hounds' at the settlement of Pottawatomie Creek on May 24th, 1856.

Susan-Mary Grant argues that the cult of the fallen soldier has its origins at Gettysburg and other battlefield monuments of the American Civil War.

Historians have often stressed the modernity of America’s Civil War. Yet Gervase Phillips argues that the dependence on often weary, sickly horses on both sides in the war had a significant impact on the development, and final outcome of, the struggle.

How the North won the American Civil War.

John Spicer judges that slavery was the key factor in producing the conflict.