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Season 1 – The Civil War

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Civil War Sep 1990 Documentary History War Play Trailer Watchlist
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This nine-part series is the work that made documentarian Ken Burns a household name. Burns uses contemporary cinematography in addition to thousands of archival photographs, paintings and newspaper images set to music to teach people about the Civil War. A number of well-known actors and actresses lend their voices to the production as they read contemporary quotes from historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Stonewall Jackson.

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The Civil War — Season 1

Audience Reviews

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david f @dfulmer 07/15/2022 An American Masterpiece of the documentary form, this film is epic in length and utterly fascinating. Ken Burns takes old photos and letters and tells a moving, beautiful story of a years long war that tore apart the nation. Full of interesting characters, events, and information. See more Read all reviews
The Civil War — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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David McCullough

Narrator

Sam Waterston

Abraham Lincoln

Julie Harris

Mary Chestnut

Jason Robards

Ulysses S. Grant

Philip Bosco

Voice

Morgan Freeman

Frederick Douglass

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 23, 1990 The Cause: 1861 The first episode of Ken Burns' documentary series examines slavery, causes of the war, and key roles of Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Frederick Douglass and Ulysses S. Grant. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 24, 1990 Very Bloody Affair: 1862 Events in 1862: infighting in the Lincoln administration, Gen. McClellan's ill-fated Virginia Peninsula campaign and the Battle of Shiloh. Details Episode 3 Aired Sep 24, 1990 Forever Free: 1862 After years of awaiting a Union victory, Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation after a bloody but indecisive battle at Antietam. Details Episode 4 Aired Sep 25, 1990 Simply Murder: 1863 Lee wins splendidly at Chancellorsville; Gen. Jackson is killed; Lee decides to invade the North. Details Episode 5 Aired Sep 25, 1990 Universe of Battle: 1863 The turning point of the war occurs at the Battle of Gettysburg; Lincoln makes a memorable speech as he dedicates the Union cemetery at Gettysburg. Details Episode 6 Aired Sep 26, 1990 Valley of the Shadow of Death: 1864 A biographical contrast of Grant and Lee depicts their battles; Sherman marches to Atlanta. Details Episode 7 Aired Sep 26, 1990 Most Hallowed Ground: 1864 Gen. George McClellan opposes Lincoln in the 1864 presidential race; Northern sentiment turns against the war; Lee's Arlington home becomes a national cemetery. Details Episode 8 Aired Sep 27, 1990 War Is All Hell: 1865 Sherman's troops march through Georgia and the Carolinas; Petersburg and Richmond fall to Grant's army; Lee surrenders at Appomattox, Va. Details Episode 9 Aired Sep 27, 1990 Better Angels of Our Nature: 1865 The final episode of Ken Burns' documentary series chronicles the war's conclusion, Lincoln's assassination and the impact of the Civil War. Details
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The Civil War — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Ken Burns
Executive Producer
Ken Burns
Screenwriter
Geoffrey C. Ward, Ric Burns, Ken Burns
Network
PBS
Rating
TV-PG (L)
Genre
Documentary, History, War
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 23, 1990