Watch the Civil War

The Civil War | The Cause
The Civil War was fought in 10,000 places. 2% of the general population died in the war and it changed forever the lives of all who lived through it.
Introduction Clip 3m 35s
The Civil War | The Cause
Introduction Clip
The Civil War | The Cause
3m 35s
The Civil War was fought in 10,000 places. 2% of the general population died in the war and it changed forever the lives o
1861: "The Cause"
Part 1 | Full Length
1861: "The Cause"
100m 58s
Beginning with a searing indictment of slavery, this first episode dramatically evokes the causes of the war, from the Cot
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
Parts 2 & 3 | Full Length
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
141m 25s
See the birth of modern warfare and Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transform into a war to emancipate the slaves. Fol
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
Parts 4 & 5 | Full Length
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
154m 49s
Follow Lee, Jackson and Grant through battles and northern opposition to the Emancipation Proclamation. Watch the Battle o
1864: "Valley of the Shadow of Death"/"Most Hallowed Ground"
Parts 6 & 7 | Full Length
1864: "Valley of the Shadow of Death"/"Most Hallowed Ground"
138m 35s
Visit ghastly hospitals in the North and South and follow Sherman’s Atlanta campaign. While causalities mount, Lincoln’s r
1865: "War Is All Hell"/"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
Parts 8 & 9 | Full Length
1865: "War Is All Hell"/"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
134m 38s
Follow Sherman’s March to the Sea, Richmond’s fall to Grant’s army, and Lee’s surrender to Grant. Follow the events of Lin
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About The Film

The Civil War, an epic nine-episode series by the award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and produced in conjunction with WETA, Washington, D.C., first aired in September of 1990 to an audience of 40 million viewers. The film is a comprehensive and definitive history of the American Civil War, and the recipient of 40 major film and television awards, including two Emmys and two Grammys.

Heralded as an unforgettable introduction to a four-year conflict fought in 10,000 places, The Civil War was five years in the making. The film vividly embraces the entire sweep of the war: the complex causes and lasting effects of America's greatest and most moving calamity, the battles and the homefront, the generals and the private soldiers, the anguish of death in battle and the grief of families at home.

Premiered on PBS: September 23, 1990

Aired Completely Restored on PBS: September 2015. 

Restoring The Film
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