The Divided Union: A Concise History of the American Civil War

The narrative explores a pivotal period in U.S. history marked by internal conflict over freedom, identity, and nationhood. It highlights the experiences of ordinary Americans amid the Civil War, where the toll of suffering and loss surpassed that of both World Wars. Key figures like Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant emerge, yet the aftermath leaves deep societal scars. The Northern victory solidified the Union's integrity but fell short of realizing Lincoln's vision from the Gettysburg Address, illustrating the lasting complexities of this era.