The Civil War

History 1990

Ken Burns' Emmy Award-winning documentary brings to life America's most destructive — and defining — conflict.

History 1990

PG

Starring Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, Jason Robards

EPISODE 1

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.

52 min · Sep 23, 1990 PG
EPISODE 2

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.

52 min · Sep 24, 1990 PG
EPISODE 3

Forever Free: 1862

After years of awaiting a Union victory, Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation after a bloody but indecisive battle at Antietam.

52 min · Sep 24, 1990 PG
EPISODE 4

Simply Murder: 1863

Lee wins splendidly at Chancellorsville; Gen. Jackson is killed; Lee decides to invade the North.

52 min · Sep 25, 1990 PG
EPISODE 5

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.

52 min · Sep 25, 1990 PG
EPISODE 6

Valley of the Shadow of Death: 1864

A biographical contrast of Grant and Lee depicts their battles; Sherman marches to Atlanta.

52 min · Sep 26, 1990 PG

Sam Waterston

Abraham Lincoln
Julie Harris

Mary Chestnut
Jason Robards

Ulysses S. Grant
Morgan Freeman

Frederick Douglass
Paul Roebling

Joshua L. Chamberlain

About

The Civil War

HISTORY

Ken Burns' Emmy Award-winning documentary brings to life America's most destructive — and defining — conflict.

Information

Studio: PBS
Released: 1990
Rated: PG

Languages

Original Audio: English
Audio: English (United States) (⁨Dolby 5.1⁩, AAC)
Subtitles: English (CC)

Accessibility

: Closed captions (CC) refer to subtitles in the available language with the addition of relevant non-dialogue information.