This course will look at the military history of the first year of the American Civil War and how the North and South, unable to reconcile their differences over slavery and its place in the future of the republic, mobilized for war and, unsuccessfully, were unable to prevent the sectional conflict from becoming what would be America's bloodiest conflict. It will look at the strategic and political contexts that shaped military operations in Missouri, Virginia, and elsewhere, as well as the leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Nathaniel Lyon, and Pierre Beauregard, whose decisions shaped their course and outcome.

An Osher membership fee of $25 is required to enroll in this class. If you have not paid your membership fee, please click on the blue link below under "course accessibility" to add the membership fee to your shopping cart. Then continue shopping to select your courses and/or events. If you have questions about whether or not you have paid your member fee, please call 785-864-6779.

Instructor Ethan S. Rafuse received his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is professor of military history at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His publications include From the Mountains to the Bay: The War in Virginia, January-May 1862, guides to the Antietam, Manassas, and Petersburg battlefields, and U.S. Presidents During Wartime.

Course Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in an event, please email jayhawkglobal@ku.edu or call 785-864-6779 at least three weeks before the first day of the event.

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Course pre-requisites
(required) Osher Membership Fee

This course contains no sessions
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