Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.

1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free" The Civil War

Premiered September 08, 2015
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"

See the birth of modern warfare and Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transform into a war to emancipate the slaves. Follow the battle of ironclad ships, camp life and the beginning of the end of slavery. Re-live the war’s bloodiest day, on the banks of Antietam Creek, and the brightest: the emancipation of the slaves.

About the Program

The Civil War

Between 1861 and 1865, Americans made war on each other and killed each other in great numbers if only to become the kind of country that could no longer conceive of how that was possible. What began as a bitter dispute over Union and States' Rights, ended as a struggle over the meaning of freedom in America.

Here’s your ticket to stream.

Stream the best of public television on demand with GPB Passport: MASTERPIECE dramas and mysteries, NOVA, Ken Burns documentaries, Finding Your Roots and more. Binge full seasons, get early access to new episodes before they air on television and catch up on programs you missed with this powerful donor benefit from GPB!