Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We are updating our website. Some features may be unavailable during this time. For more information, including currently known issues, visit here.

Between 1861 and 1865, Americans made war on each other and killed each other in great numbers if only to become the kind of country that could no longer conceive of how that was possible. What began as a bitter dispute over Union and States' Rights, ended as a struggle over the meaning of freedom in America.

Ken Burns, Ric Burns, Buddy Squires, and Allen Moore discuss the making of The Civil War.
Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends.
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
Production made possible by grants from General Motors Corporation, National Endowment for the Humanities, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation
Latest Episodes
Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends.
While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights.
Extras
April 7, 1865, Grant writes to Lee. April 9, 1865. Lee sends word that he will surrender.
Ken Burns explains how he first discovered the letter by Ballou and realized its impact.
62,000 Union troops. 425 miles. Discover how Sherman's March to the Sea brought the war to Georgia.
As 1865 dawns, Lee leads a failing Confederacy and Lincoln looks toward healing the nation.
Even Lincoln expected to lose in 1864. Explore the election that became a referendum on the war.
7,000 men fell in minutes. Discover the Cold Harbor assault Grant always regretted.
Paid less and doubted by many, Black Union troops proved themselves at Fort Wagner and beyond.
Ever wonder what it takes to produce a Ken Burns film?
Ken Burns talks about the emotional moments during reunions among soldiers.
Ken Burns shares whether he prefers shooting on film or digitally.
Specials
Learn how The Civil War series has been completely restored to Ultra HD – 4K resolution.
More History Shows