Chapter I: Foreword

Thousands of student requests for information on the Civil War prompted the publication of this booklet. Its purpose is to present in simple language a survey of the eleven most popular aspects of the 1861-1865 conflict. This guide is intended as a supplement, not a substitute, for American history textbooks.

Space limitations prevented mention of each of the 6,000 engagements of the Civil War. Thus, while such actions as the battle of Picacho Pass, Ariz., and Quantrill's sacking of Lawrence, Kan., had import for their particular locales, they of necessity had to be omitted. In those battles herein discussed, statistics for armies and losses are those generally accepted. The map midway in the booklet may help familiarize the student with the various theaters of military operations. After each section is a list of works recommended for those who desire more detailed information on the subject.

Relatively little consideration of the political, economic, and social history of the period was possible within the limits of this small work. However, the Commission can supply upon request and without charge the following pamphlets treating in part of those subjects: _Emancipation Centennial, 1962: A Brief Anthology of the Preliminary Proclamation_; _Free Homesteads for All Americans: The Homestead Act of 1862_, by Paul W. Gates; _The Origins of the Land-Grant Colleges and State Universities_, by Allan Nevins; and _Our Women of the Sixties_, by Sylvia G. L. Dannett and Katharine M. Jones.

The Commission is deeply indebted to the Editorial Advisory Board members, each of whom rendered valuable assistance toward the final draft of the narrative.

James I. Robertson, Jr., _Executive Director_
_U. S. Civil War Centennial Commission_

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
I. Causes of the Civil War 5
II. Advantages of North and South 7
III. Summary of Military Campaigns 11
1861 11
1862 in the West 13
1862 in the East 17
1863 in the West 21
1863 in the East 23
1864 25
1865 30
IV. Losses 35
V. Navies 37
VI. Diplomacy 42
VII. Prisons and Prisoners of War 45
VIII. Arms 48
IX. Leaders 52
X. The Common Soldiers 57
XI. The War's Legacy 62
XII. Suggested Topics for Further Discussion 64