American Civil War

Liberian school children in the courtyard at Cathedral High School as students arrive in the morning to attend class in Monrovia, Liberia, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015. 

How we make decisions about politics in the aftermath of conflict

During Liberia's civil war, thousands of school children missed out on schooling. Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter by Inkstick Media, looks at the impact of school interruptions on the future politics of those children who missed out during the conflict.

How we make decisions about politics in the aftermath of conflict
A group of military men stand in a line with their weapons.

Analysis: Who joins rebel armies?

Analysis: Who joins rebel armies?
A decorative ornament on sale at the White House of the Confederacy.

Confederate Christmas ornaments are smaller than statues — but they send the same racist message

Confederate Christmas ornaments are smaller than statues — but they send the same racist message
a confederate party in brazil

Brazil's long, strange love affair with the Confederacy ignites racial tension

Brazil's long, strange love affair with the Confederacy ignites racial tension
A couple is backlit against a stark stone fort interior.

Pirates brought enslaved Africans to Virginia’s shores. Where, exactly, is debatable.

Pirates brought enslaved Africans to Virginia’s shores. Where, exactly, is debatable.

Congress, The President and War: A History

Congress, The President and War: A History

The Battle of Gettysburg, 150 Years Later

The Battle of Gettysburg, 150 Years Later

The Civil War: Celeste Headlee's Story

The Civil War: Celeste Headlee's Story

Black Confederate Soldiers: Myth or Reality?

Black Confederate Soldiers: Myth or Reality?

Civil War Anniversary: Celebration of Confederacy or Segregation Reminder?

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. While celebrations for the event will be grand in scale and scope, this year's commemoration will not reverberate as it did during the centennial. How do the two anniversaries compare?

Civil War Anniversary: Celebration of Confederacy or Segregation Reminder?
The World

Adam Goodheart on 1861

One out of every 25 American men died during the Civil War, and it seems the country is still fighting. Kurt talks with Adam Goodheart, historian and journalist, about how the divide between red states and blue echoes the gray and blue of the Civil War.

Adam Goodheart on 1861
The World

Confederate Message in a Bottle Deciphered 147 Years Later

Confederate Message in a Bottle Deciphered 147 Years Later
A Confederate battle flag flies at the grave of a Confederate Civil War soldier in South Carolina

The Confederate origins of Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally envisioned by Southern women in the US to honor Civil War soldiers. Today it's become many things to many people.

The Confederate origins of Memorial Day
Union soldiers entrenched along the west bank of the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, Virginia.

How wars end part II: the American Civil War

Jeb Sharp explores the lessons from the American Civil War that resonate with current events in Iraq.

How wars end part II: the American Civil War