A century and a half ago, North battled South in a conflict that would kill more Americans than any other war. The outcome would change our nation forever, and no one had more to gain, or to lose, than enslaved Americans. Join actor Dennis Haysbert as he looks at their struggles through the objects in the Smithsonian's collection. From a bloodstained map to the inkwell Lincoln used to write the Emancipation Proclamation, these artifacts transport us to a brutal and complicated time when our country tore itself apart.

A victory wasn’t always certain. Part 1 of this immersive series details the battles, struggles and ultimate victory of the North. Join Ashley Judd, great-great-great granddaughter of two Union soldiers, as she travels back to a historical time.

Join actor Dennis Haysbert as he looks at the struggles of those enslaved during the Civil War through the objects in the Smithsonian's collection, including the inkwell Lincoln used to write the Emancipation Proclamation.