This absorbing text examines the American Civil War and its aftermath, exploring the crucial themes, and challenging many traditional views about the war that nearly tore this nation in two. Attention is paid to the social aspects of the war and includes a presentation of what was happening on the home front while the war was going on. While This Terrible War maintains a clear chronological foundation, it is also concerned with developing the important themes that are necessary for a true understanding of the war and its aftermath.