The Civil War S1E5 backdrop
The Civil War poster

The Civil War (1990)

S1E5 The Universe of Battle: 1863

Sep 25, 1990 Season 1 Episode 5 Documentary, War & Politics, Drama

This episode begins with a gripping portrayal of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, the largest conflict ever fought on American soil. Over the course of three days, 150,000 soldiers clash in the fields of Pennsylvania, culminating in the famed Pickett's Charge. The narrative then shifts to highlight key events such as the siege of Vicksburg, the unrest of the New York draft riots, the introduction of African American troops, and the fierce engagements at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. It concludes with the solemn dedication of a Union cemetery in Gettysburg in November, where President Abraham Lincoln grapples with the profound impact of the war on his nation.