Terrible Swift Sword: The Period of Confederate Ascendency, 1861-1862 - Civil War and Reconstruction

Explore a comprehensive lecture from Yale University's "The Civil War and Reconstruction" course, focusing on the early stages of the American Civil War from 1861 to 1862. Delve into the expectations, advantages, and disadvantages of both the North and South as they entered the conflict. Examine the industrial capabilities, governmental stability, and naval strength of the Union, contrasted with the Confederacy's geographical and defensive advantages. Analyze the Battle of Bull Run, the war's first major engagement, and gain insights into battle strategies and recruitment methods employed by both sides. Through discussions of literary works like Alcott's Hospital Sketches and Burns's The Civil War, develop a deeper understanding of the period's historical context and the impact of the conflict on American society.