LibGuides: American History 1860-1877, Civil War & Reconstruction: Media

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Across the Plains (28:07) This program follows the first leg of the journey along the Trail, from Independence, Missouri, to Fort Laramie, in what is now Wyoming. In addition to explaining landmarks along this route, the program covers the problems of camping in the wilderness, the perils of accidents, and encounters with Native American tribespeople.
Battle of Gettysburg: Overview (43:30) The people of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania had heard these rumors before and never had the enemy arrived, but on Friday June 26, 1863 a brigade of rebel cavalry suddenly appeared in town. They were followed by an entire division of Confederate infantry. After gathering supplies the troops left. What the citizens of Gettysburg did not realize was that this was just a prelude to war. At that moment two of the largest armies of the world were about to converge on their quiet town.
Civil War—America: The Story of Us (60:00) The War Between the States rages. In 1863, the Confederate Army seems poised for victory. Following the bloody battle of Antietam, President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. Former slaves join the Union army in droves. With superior transportation (railroads), communication (telegraph lines), and battlefield technology, the Union prevails and America is on track to become a global superpower.
The Presidents: 1865-1885 (45:00) This program illustrates the monumental task of reconstructing the nation after four years of civil war and a presidential assassination. Defining aspects of the period include the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson, the triumphant ascendancy of Ulysses S. Grant, the backroom politics of Rutherford B. Hayes, the unfulfilled aspirations of James Garfield, and the civil service reforms of Chester A. Arthur. A&E.
Reconstruction and 1876 (12:31) In which John Green teaches you about Reconstruction. After the divisive, destructive Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had a plan to reconcile the country and make it whole again. Then he got shot, Andrew Johnson took over, and the disagreements between Johnson and Congress ensured that Reconstruction would fail. The election of 1876 made the whole thing even more of a mess, and the country called it off, leaving the nation still very divided. John will talk about the gains made by African-Americans in the years after the Civil War, and how they lost those gains almost immediately when Reconstruction stopped. You'll learn about the Freedman's Bureau, the 14th and 15th amendments, and the disastrous election of 1876. John will explore the goals of Reconstruction, the successes and ultimate failure, and why his alma mater Kenyon College is better than Raoul's alma mater NYU.
Series: Reconstruction: America After the Civil War
Series: The Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns Hailed as a landmark in historical storytelling, Ken Burns’ classic Emmy Award–winning nine-part series The Civil War brings to life America’s most destructive—and defining—conflict. Narrated by historian David McCullough, here is the saga of celebrated generals and ordinary soldiers, a heroic and transcendent president, and a nation in arms against itself. “Heartbreaking and lyrical, vivid in sight, sound, and music, its focus is intensely human against the sweep of history,” says USA Today. PBS. 9-part series, 62-100 minutes each.
Series: The West: A Film by Stephen Ives The series portrays the impact the onrushing white settlers, adventurers, and exploiters had on Native Americans and the land. Packed with vivid imagery and personalities, The West reveals the triumph and tragedy of America's drive to become a continental nation. Presented and executive produced by Ken Burns. PBS. 9-part series, 59–86 minutes each.
Series: The West of the Imagination The sweeping story of the American West as seen through the eyes of its mythmakers and mythologizers. Written by William H. Goetzmann, winner of a Pulitzer Prize in American History. Hosted and narrated by James Whitmore. 6-part series, 57 minutes each.
Women of the Civil War (02:53) Women weren’t just spectators of the American Civil War – they played a vital role in the home, the workplace, the battlefield and beyond.

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