Detailed Information
America Divided - The Civil War 1861-65
It is often said that the United States of today is a divided society. This course will examine the period in history when American political and economic divisions escalated into actual war. The resulting war that broke out on April 12th 1861 would last for four years. The American Civil War would become the most destructive and bloodiest war in U.S. history. By the time it formally ended on May 9th 1865, over 600,000 Americans had died. This figure is greater than the total American military casualties for all other wars involving the United States.
Emphasis will be given at the start to the causes of the war, especially the issue of slavery. Was it the main cause of the war? The classes will examine the military strategy of both sides. Focus will be given to the role of key commanders including Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. Non-military topics such as international reaction to the war, the condition of slaves and former slaves, Abraham Lincoln’s leadership, the role of medicine, nursing and the Irish experience of the war will be considered. The course will conclude with an examination of the war’s consequences.
By studying the many aspects of the war, participants will be able to broaden their knowledge of this conflict. During the course, a range of primary and secondary sources will be referred to in order to gain different perspectives on the topics and personalities examined. Participants are encouraged to offer their viewpoints. This will contribute to an enjoyable learning environment.
Michael Doran graduated from UCD in 1987 with a B.A. in History and Economics. He has been involved with UCD Adult Education since 1993 offering a range of courses. He is also the author of a Leaving Certificate text-book ‘Movements for Political and Social Reform, 1870 – 1914’
8 Thursdays 10.00am - 12.00pm
Jan 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15
- By the end of the course, students should be able to;
- Understand the causes of the war, e.g. slavery, rights of States, etc.
- Understand the role and leadership of President Lincoln.
- Outline the main key events of the American Civil War.
- Understand the main battles of the war.
- Evaluate the role played by the military personalities of the war.
- Understand the involvement of Irish people in the war.
- Understand the decisions and personal choices made by individuals.
- Understand the impact of the war on various people.
- Understand the role of technology, espionage and medicine on the course of the war.
- Understand the experience of African-American during the war.
- Consider the impact of the war on the development of the modern United States.
- The American Civil War – John Keegan – Hutchinson (2009)
- Team of Rivals – Doris Kearns Goodwin – Penguin (2009)
- The Civil War – Volumes 1, 2 and 3’ – Shelby Foote (1986)
- Other books will be recommended during the course.
- A divided America –The causes of the war
- The course of the war 1861/1862
- Reaction to the war / President Lincoln’s administration
- The course of the war 1862/1863 – The Battle of Gettysburg
- Personal experiences of the war
- Total war 1864
- The end of the war 1865
- Lincoln’s assassination and the war’s aftermath