Civil War 360

The Civil War was the quintessential transformational moment in our nation's history. This three-part Smithsonian Channel documentary covers the conflict from three sides: Union supporters, Rebel separatists, and slaves held in bondage. Prior to the war, America was the world's largest slaveholding country, but the question of slavery's expansion into new Western states would trigger bloody battles and set the country on the path to war. Covering the Union side, hostess Ashley Judd notes that many people expected the war to be a short and glorious enterprise. Colorfully dressed and rowdy troops and disorganized militias were common; eventually, soldiers began to accidentally fire on their own men, and commanders realized the need for a uniform dress code and appearance. Drawing on objects from the Smithsonian, Judd describes the short-lived euphoria before Bull Run, the carnage at Antietam and Gettysburg, the perils of war surgery, and the draft riots of 1863 in which federal troops were sent direct from Gettysburg to New York City to quell the unrest, noting also that the new medium of photography brought the horrors of war home to everyone. In the second part, country singer Trace Adkins explains how slavery touched every aspect of Southern life, looks at the role of music on both sides, and discusses the "Anaconda Plan" to blockade, surround, and strangle Southern ports and the South's economy (ironically, some plates used to make Southern currency were manufactured in New Jersey). In the last part, actor Dennis Haysbert describes the world of the slaves, recalling the fear of many who were enslaved in border states that they or family members would be "sold South," and examining the always tenuous position of free blacks (including the chance that black soldiers would be captured, killed, or returned to slavery). Judd, Adkins, and Haysbert all had ancestors involved in the war, adding a personal dimension to the series. Despite an annoying score that sounds like it was recorded in an echo chamber, Civil War 360—which includes the bonus feature “Lincoln's Washington at War"—is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)