Online Class: American Civil War

This course offers an insightful examination of the American Civil War, highlighting the fracturing ideologies that split families and forged a nation's future. From setting the stage to pivotal battles and influential figures, students gain a comprehensive grasp of its legacy and relevance today.
Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 12
    Lessons
  • 27
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 13
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.3
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Course Overview: Understanding the American Civil War

The American Civil War, often referred to as the War Between the States, stands as a testament to a time when a burgeoning nation's ideals, values, and very identity were deeply contested. This was not merely a clash of armies, but a profound struggle of ideologies, where family members found themselves on opposing sides, fueled by convictions and beliefs deeply rooted in the cultural, political, and economic fabric of the nation.

The United States, a young republic carved out from the ideals of liberty and democracy, found itself on the brink of dissolution. Key issues included the fierce debate over states' rights versus federal authority, the ethical, economic, and political facets of slavery, and ultimately, the overarching question of the Union's preservation.

Statistics paint a haunting picture of the Civil War's devastation: more American lives were lost in this conflict than in any other war before or since. The weight of its significance extends beyond numbers, as it sowed seeds of sentiments and beliefs that continue to resonate in American discourse today. For instance, the resonance of the Civil War can be felt in contemporary discussions on federal vs. state authority, racial equity, and regional identities.

This comprehensive course endeavors to provide an in-depth exploration into the pivotal moments, battles, and figures of the Civil War. We will traverse the timeline, uncovering the intricate web of political and social factors that culminated in this colossal conflict.

Lesson 1. Civil War Terminology and Course Structure

  • Dive into the essential vocabulary and overarching framework of the course to set a solid foundation for the subsequent modules.

Lesson 2. Setting The Stage: America's Path to Civil War

  • Delve into the events and sentiments leading up to the war, exploring the multifaceted causes that set the nation on this tumultuous path.

Lesson 3. The War Begins

  • An intricate look into the first salvos of the war, exploring the initial strategies and conflicts that set the tone for the battles ahead.

Lesson 4. The War Goes West

  • Understand the strategic importance of the Western Theater and how it played a pivotal role in shaping the war's progression.

Lesson 5. Escalation of Battles, 1862

  • A focused study on the major battles of this year, their significance, and their implications on the broader conflict.

Lesson 6. Battles of 1862, Continued

  • Continuing our deep dive into the crucial battles of 1862 and their reverberating impacts.

Lesson 7. The Decisive Battles of 1863-64, Battle of Chancellorsville

  • Dissect the strategies, outcomes, and broader ramifications of this seminal battle in the war's narrative.

Lesson 8. The Decisive Battles of 1863-64, Battle of Gettysburg

  • Uncover the intricacies of this turning point in the Civil War, its heroes, its strategies, and its enduring significance.

Lesson 9. The Decisive Battles of 1863-64, Battle of Vicksburg

  • Delve into the siege and eventual capture of Vicksburg, and its strategic importance in dividing the Confederacy.

Lesson 10. The End of the War

  • As the tides of war shift, explore the concluding chapters of the Civil War, understanding the paths to peace and the eventual reunification of the Union.

Lesson 11. Notable Figures of the American Civil War

  • Shine a spotlight on the men and women, both renowned and lesser-known, whose actions, decisions, and convictions shaped the course of the war.

Lesson 12. Summary of the Civil War

  • A holistic recapitulation of the Civil War, synthesizing the key takeaways and drawing connections to the present day.

Join us on this enlightening journey, as we navigate the profound depths of the American Civil War, a defining chapter in the annals of the United States. Through this course, students will gain a nuanced understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complex tapestry of American history. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a scholar, or simply curious, this course promises a transformative experience.

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Course Motivation

Discover the American Civil War: A Comprehensive Online Course

Have you ever pondered the war that exacted the heaviest toll on American lives? Ever sought to understand the deep-rooted beliefs that led compatriots to face each other on the battlefield? Curious about modern sentiments shaped by this epochal conflict?

Welcome to the "American Civil War" course, a journey spanning twelve engaging lessons that:

  • Provide a chronological recount of the war's pivotal events
  • Delve into the profound philosophies and disputes igniting the war
  • Highlight the war's enduring impact on today's American psyche
  • Profile iconic figures, underscoring their national contributions

By the course's end, you'll gain a profound understanding of this historical watershed. Suitable for anyone with high-school level reading skills, the course offers comprehensive materials through lessons and over sixty netlinks, eliminating the need for textbooks.

Why study history, especially the Civil War? Many students often view history as distant, yet consider these insights:

  • "The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know." - President Harry S. Truman
  • "The supreme purpose of history is a better world." - President Herbert Hoover
  • "A country without a memory is a country of madmen." - Philosopher George Santayana
  • "History isn't really about the past – it's about defining the present and who we are." - Filmmaker Ken Burns

The Civil War profoundly shapes our present and future, making its understanding paramount.

Dive into this self-paced online course and:

  • Grasp the reasons behind the brutal internal strife
  • Chart the strategies and seminal battles of 1861-62
  • Witness the war's turning points in 1863-64
  • Evaluate the war's denouement and subsequent legacy
  • Familiarize yourself with the era's luminaries

The course unfolds as:

  • Lesson 1: Civil War Foundations & Course Blueprint
  • Lesson 2: Pre-war Tensions: America's Civil War Inception
  • Lessons 3-9: From War's Outset to Landmark Battles
  • Lesson 10: War's Termination
  • Lesson 11: Civil War's Renowned Figures
  • Lesson 12: Civil War Recapitulation

Embrace the course's flexibility, working at your convenience. Engage with your instructor and peers, enriching your learning experience.

Don't delay—enroll anytime. Dive deep into America's past today.

Areas of Study
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.6 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,296 votes)

Lesson 1. Civil Terminology and Structure

Medical practices during the Civil War saw innovations out of necessity, with the North developing advanced hospital networks and introducing tools like chloroform for anesthesia. Meanwhile, rife rifled muskets and the Minie Ball transformed warfare, prompting tactical shifts towards trench warfare. Additional lesson topics: America Before the Civil War Video; Why didn't George Washington end Slavery?; Lincoln and the Telegraph; Timeline regarding issues leading to the Civil War; The Telegraph and the Civil War 95 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video A
  • Lesson 1 Video B : Introduction Lecture
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Lesson discussions: American History; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Introductions
  • Complete Assignment: The Telegraph and the Civil War
  • Complete Assignment: Was It Worth It?
  • Complete: Why was going to school important for kids during the Civil War? 25 Bonus Points Assignment

Lesson 2. America's Crossroads: Federalism and the Looming Crisis

From Lincoln’s balanced yet resolute Union-saving approach to the Southern commitment to slavery as an economic necessity, the path to the Civil War was marked by irreconcilable regional differences over governance, slavery, and modernization. The economic boom of the South fueled by slavery contrasted sharply with the industrial North’s moral and practical opposition to the practice. Additional lesson topics: Civil War Inventions; Causes of the Civil War Video 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video A
  • Lesson 2 Video B : Causes of the Civil War Lecture
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-WorkSheet-11047.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: Causes of the Civil War
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Conflict Ignited: Prelude to Civil War

The Civil War's onset in 1861 was marked by fierce political and military maneuvers, culminating in South Carolina's secession and the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter. Despite initial Union setbacks, including the First Battle of Bull Run, efforts to reunite the nation persisted amidst heavy casualties and strategic mishaps. Additional lesson topics: Fort Sumter: The Civil War Begins; Brief Doc on Ft. Sumter 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video A
  • Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson 3 Discussion
  • Review 3 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete Assignment: First Battles
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Battle Highlights of 1861: West of the Mississippi

The Civil War's Westward expansion in 1861 saw Union forces clashing with Southern sympathizers in Missouri, Arkansas, and other states. Key battles like Wilson's Creek shaped the shifting allegiances and military strategies in the region. Additional lesson topics: A meeting between Lincoln and Southern Officials; Battles of 1861; Civil War Battles of 1861 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video A
  • Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson 4 Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WordSearch-11048.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: Battles of 1861
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Death and Diplomacy: The Civil War's Second Year

Lesson Summary 4: The neutrality of key border states was contested, leading to significant military campaigns and strategic battles at Fort Donelson and Pea Ridge. Diplomatically, the Union’s effort to maintain European non-interference weakened the Confederacy’s international position. Additional lesson topics: Battle of Seven Pines / Fair Oaks; Battles of 1862 Video 25 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video A
  • Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson 5 Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-WorkSheet-11049.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: Battles of 1862

Lesson 6. The Peninsula Campaign and Its Aftermath

At the Battle of Fredericksburg, General Burnside's poorly executed attacks led to a devastating Union defeat against well-entrenched Confederate forces, significantly boosting Southern morale. This lopsided battle revealed the critical impact of strategic ground advantage and command decisions in Civil War battles. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video A
  • Lesson 6 Video B : Emancipation Proclamation Lecture
  • Lesson 6 Video C : Lesson 6 Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-HomeWork-11050.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: The Emancipation Proclamation
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 7. Intense Battles and Global Politics of 1863

Outnumbered and resource-poor, the Confederacy relied on Lee's brilliant strategies to counter the Union's massive Army of the Potomac at Chancellorsville, achieving an improbable victory but at a heavy cost. Additional lesson topics: Video Interview at Chancellorsville 25 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video A
  • Lesson 7 Video B : Chancellorsville Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Downloadable-11051.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: Battle of Chancellorsville

Lesson 8. The Turn of the Tides: Gettysburg 1863

Gettysburg, the Civil War's bloodiest confrontation, saw Confederate forces falter due to leadership missteps and Union tenacity, forever altering the war's trajectory. This significant clash, deeply etched in national consciousness, is celebrated through continued remembrance and the enduring power of Lincoln's address. Additional lesson topics: Tour of Little Round Top; Great video on Gettysburg; Part Several of Several of Tour of Battle of Gettysburg; Animated video of Battle of Gettysburg 65 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video A
  • Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson 8 Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video C : Lesson 8B Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video D : Lesson 8C Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video E : Lesson 8D Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video F : Lesson 8E Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video G : Lesson 8F Discussion
  • Lesson 8 Video H : Lesson 8G Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-HomeWork-11052.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: Battle of Gettysburg
  • Complete Assignment: Aftermath of Battle
  • Complete Assignment: Was the Battle of Gettysburg the most important battle in American History?

Lesson 9. Vicksburg: The Siege That Shaped History

Sherman's campaign through Georgia epitomized the harsh realities of total warfare; his troops left devastation in their wake, targeting both military and civilian resources. The campaign's relentless nature significantly fueled Southern resentment yet strategically weakened Confederate resistance. Additional lesson topics: Siege of Vicksburg Video 64 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video A
  • Lesson 9 Video B : Vicksburg Discussion
  • Lesson 9 Video C : Lesson 9 Discussion
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete Assignment: Battle of Vicksburg
  • Complete Assignment: Was Vicksburg the Key?
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 10. 1865: Endgame at Appomattox

As the Civil War drew to a close with Lee's surrender at Appomattox, President Lincoln faced tragedy on April 14, 1865, when John Wilkes Booth assassinated him at Ford's Theatre. The assassination was part of a broader plot to destabilize the Union government, but it ultimately failed as co-conspirators were captured and justice served. Additional lesson topics: The Surrender Correspondence at Appomattox; Lee Surrenders 45 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video A
  • Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson 10 Discussion
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete Assignment: Final Battle
  • Complete Assignment: What if America's Civil War was also fought over religion?

Lesson 11. Confederate and Union Leaders: A Study in Contrasts

Both Confederate and Union forces boasted remarkable leaders like George Pickett and Joshua Chamberlain, whose actions at key battles like Gettysburg remain legendary. These figures, with diverse backgrounds and strategies, highlight the complex human elements behind the war's progression and ultimate resolution. Additional lesson topics: Important People in Civil War Video 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video A
  • Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson 11 Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-Downloadable-11053.pdf
  • Complete Assignment: People in the American Civil War
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 12. Understanding the Staggering Losses of the Civil War: A Final Overview

The lesson concludes with a sobering chart illustrating the immense casualties, prompting contemplation about the sustainability of the North-South conflict. Supplementary resources are provided for deeper exploration of untaught dimensions of the Civil War. Additional lesson topics: Why was nothing learned from the American Civil War -- One person's opinion. 98 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video A : Lesson 12 Discussion
  • Lesson 12 Video B : Lesson 12B Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-WordSearch-11054.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: More American History?; Course Survey; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete Assignment: Technology in the Civil War
  • Complete Assignment: The End
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
592
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Analyze the impact of civil war technologies, including railroads and the telegraph, on military strategies and outcomes, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of their roles.
  • Identify and describe the significance of three key political philosophies that contributed to the onset of the American Civil War, such as abolitionism, federalism, and sectionalism.
  • Define federalism and explain its impact on the relationship between the federal government and the states concerning states' rights, using historical examples from the Civil War era.
  • Identify and describe the economic and social factors that led to sectionalism between the North and South, emphasizing the differing attitudes toward slavery and modernization leading up to the Civil War.
  • Analyze the strategic mistakes made by Union forces during the First Battle of Bull Run and propose alternative tactics that could have altered the outcome.
  • Identify and describe the organizational challenges faced by the Confederate Army in 1861 and evaluate their impact on early Civil War battles.
  • Analyze the role of the Missouri State Guard in the First Battle of Lexington and evaluate their tactical use of hemp bales to achieve victory against Union forces.
  • Describe the significance of the Battle of Wilson's Creek in the context of the Civil War's western theater by identifying its impact on subsequent military strategies and engagements.
  • Define the strategic significance of the Battle of Shiloh by detailing the shifts in troop control and leadership during and after the conflict.
  • Identify the diplomatic strategies employed by both the Union and Confederacy in 1862 to influence European powers, highlighting their objectives and outcomes.
  • Analyze the tactical decisions made by General Lee during the Second Battle of Bull Run and evaluate their impact on the battle’s outcome.
  • Explain how the Battle of Antietam influenced President Lincoln's decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and its subsequent effects on the Civil War.
  • Identify the strategic movements employed by General Lee and Stonewall Jackson during the Battle of Chancellorsville and describe their impacts on the outcome.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: American Civil War
Course Number: 7550437
Lessons Rating: 4.6 / 5 Stars (1,296 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: April 2024
CEU Value: 1.3 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "He made me achieve my best and also had great comments that made me think outside the box. He truly had me thinking more and more about history and how i want to learn more. He knew his subject so well." -- Deborah D.
  • "This course was very helpful." -- Veronica P.
  • "I liked how the instructor always was on the ball getting to the grades and passing me on to the next lesson in a timely manner." -- Velada M.
  • "The instructor has compiled a very informative condensation of the Civil War. He is very propmpt in grading the assignments and the tests. This has been an enlightening experience for me and I am sorry to have the course end. I am hoping that [you] will offer more courses in US history. I would now like to continue on with the reconstruction of the South following the war." -- Sara H.
  • "The entire course was both interesting and informative. I now have a better understanding of the battles and the participants in the battles of the Civil War. However it is a very sad chapter in the history of our nation and so utterly unnecessary. The deaths of the soldiers was just overwhelming to me." -- Sara H.

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