Episode 20: Why Did the Civil War Happen?
Civil War Curious
Historian Allen C. Guelzo discusses the various causes behind the outbreak of the American Civil War.
A New Look at America’s Greatest Conflict
Current Issue
The Patriots
Vol. 16, No. 2
How the American Revolution influenced and inspired both the Union and the Confederacy
Recent Posts
Relic-Hunters, Sightseers, and Ghouls
Features
A look at how the destruction wrought by the Battle of Gettysburg fueled an impassioned and at times macabre wartime industry.
The Patriots
Features
Civil War historians weigh in on how the American Revolution influenced and inspired both the Union and the Confederacy.
J.E.B. Stuart’s Gold Pocket Watch
Artifacts
Learn about a gold pocket watch once owned by Confederate general J.E.B. Stuart that earned well at auction.
The Coehorn Mortar
Facts and Figures
A look at the small, smoothbore Coehorn mortar used to lob fuse-detonated explosive shells at fortified enemy troops during the Civil War.
Featured Posts
Civil War Breakthroughs Trailer
Civil War Breakthroughs
Civil War Breakthroughs, the Monitor’s latest podcast series, is launching soon. The first season, The Technological War, focuses on the technologies and concepts that brought the conflict into the modern age. Listen to the trailer for more.
A Brilliant “Boy Major”
Featured
The Gettysburg story of young Confederate artillery officer Joseph White Latimer, known as the “Boy Major.”
Partners in War
Articles
Meet the wives of the American Civil War’s top commanders. A special photo feature.
The Bayonet
Facts and Figures
Affixed over the muzzle of a rifle, the bayonet was undeniably intimidating in appearance. Check out these Civil War bayonet statistics.
The Illustrator
Featured
An exploration of the Civil War illustrations of prolific newspaper artist Thomas Nast.
U.S. Army Surgical Kit
Artifacts
Learn about the surgical conditions faced by U.S. Army surgeons during the Civil War. Find out how advancements in surgical instruments improved medical practices.