The Last Days of the Civil War

Packed with nearly six hours of historical material, The Last Days of the Civil War provides a fascinating study of a nation in the painful throes of transition. The five History Channel programs compiled here effectively combine to form a multifaceted account of the pivotal events of 1864-65, when the bloodshed of civil war slowly brought forth a government (in the words of President Abraham Lincoln) "of the people by the people for the people," that would define the United States as it progressed toward the 20th century. The cornerstone of this two-disc set is "April 1865: The Month That Changed America," which thoroughly examines the most tumultuous month in U.S. history, encompassing Gen. Robert E. Lee's ill-fated campaigns including carnage at Sailor's Creek and eventual retreat from Richmond, Virginia, and Confederate surrender to Gen. U.S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865. Add the brutal efficiency of Sherman's March, Booth's plot to assassinate Lincoln, and administrative mistakes that put Lee at a strategic disadvantage, and you begin to see (with input from authoritative scholars, authors, and historians) how Union victory was purely a matter of circumstance.

While the factual details and expert interviews grow somewhat redundant (as does the repeated use of archival photos and documents), the sheer accumulation of historical detail makes this set a perfect complement to Ken Burns's epic documentary The Civil War, which clearly influenced these programs. "The Tragedy at Cold Harbor" examines the war's lesser-known catastrophic battle, while biographical portraits of Lincoln, Lee, and Confederate president Jefferson Davis reflect major events through the lives of the war's most influential leaders, north and south. Geared toward viewers with a basic awareness of Civil War history, these programs depict the inevitable chaos of an erratic war, unleashed in a country that needed to rip itself apart before it could reunite to forge a new and brighter future. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Civil War

My son is stationed in Qatar currently. He doesn't get much American TV, so he watches DVDs. He is a Civil War buff, so he loved this set! I loved the shipping to APOs! Some sites don't offer it or charge ridiculous fees (Walmart) to ship to APOs. I am very pleased with this purchase! December 30, 2007

Last days of the civil war

Arrived in a timely fashion. Was in excellent condition. enjoyed by the whole family January 11, 2007

LAST DAYS OF THE CIVIL WAR

I WAS ESPECIALLY GRATIFIED IN VIEWING THE 3 PERSONALITIES AND EVENTS OF THIS DVD.THERE ARE REVELATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS ASPECT OF THE PROGRAM THAT EVEN THE MOST DIEHARD OF CIVIL WAR BUFFS WILL APPRECIATE LEARNING ABOUT.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM. February 19, 2006

April, 1865.

I bought this DVD in 2003 and decided to view it again the other night, finding it just as entrancing now as then.

The 2-disc set is divided into two parts, with the first disc being largely based on Jay Winik's spectacular bestselling book, APRIL, 1865; the program includes several notable writers and educators, such as William Davis, James Robertson, and Brian Pohanka among others of the Civil War on hand to give comments. Further, this first disc is broken down into April 1865: The Month That Saved America, and Civil War Combat: The Tragedy At Cold Harbor.

The second disc comes from A&E network prior to the History Channel going on the air; the disc has a biography of Abraham Lincoln, and General Robert E. Lee, with a Civil War Journal biography of Jefferson Davis. A final added feature is a copy on two screens of the Gettysburg Address.

My wife and I bought this at one of the Virginia battlefield sites in 2003 prior to returning home after visiting the old and new Cold Harbor battlefields near Richmond, and Appomattox Court House. We both enjoyed viewing these discs again and again; enjoying all of Virginia so much, that we moved from Ohio in 2006, and are now living in Virginia!

If you are interested in the 1864-1865 Lee-Grant Overland Campaigns in Virginia, or the end of the war from Richmond to Amelia Court House to Sayler's Creek and finally Appomattox Court House, these discs will bring you untold enjoyment.

Semper Fi May 18, 2005

A GREAT LOOK AT THE END OF AMERICA'S GREATEST TEST!

"The Last Days of the Civil War" gives the viewer a fascinating look at the end of the American Civil War, our greatest test as a nation! The Five Impressive Documentaries include:

-"April 1865: The Month That Saved America." A detailed account of the last month of the Civil War. It shows how the outcome of the war was in question even after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.

-"Civil War Combat: The Tragedy of Cold Harbor." An intense and moving look at the battle that brought about the end of Napoleonic tactics, and ushered in the era of trench warfare.

-"A&E Biography: Abraham Lincoln." A closeup look at the man who led America through it's darkest hour.

-2 "Civil War Journal" Documentaries that look at the lives of CSA President Jefferson Davis and CSA General Robert E. Lee.

This set gives an accurate look at the end of America's greatest conflict! Historians and non-historians alike will not be disappointed! Grade: A+ January 20, 2004

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