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.

Events in 1862: infighting in the Lincoln administration, Gen. McClellan's ill-fated Virginia Peninsula campaign and the Battle of Shiloh.

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

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

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.

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