"Take a trip through time and witness the deadliest war in US history. With the help of expert historians, find out how the fight to end slavery sparked the war, see the weapons used by soldiers on the battlefields, and meet the people who risked their lives on the front lines."-- Page 4 of cover.

"In association with the Smithsonian." -- Front cover. Includes index.

The long argument -- A life of slavery -- The election of 1860 -- The abolitionists -- Secession -- Raising armies -- Everyone's war -- Women at war -- Young and old -- Outfitting armies -- Bull Run -- Medical treatment -- Great commanders -- Arming soldiers -- Black volunteers -- The horsemen -- Camp life -- Field artillery -- Gettysburg -- Vicksburg -- Northern life -- Confederate culture -- War on the water -- The secret war -- March to the Sea -- The Confederacy surrenders -- The fates of two leaders -- A life of freedom -- A new era begins -- Did you know? -- Timeline -- Find out more -- Glossary.