Watch Civil War: The Untold Story

Civil War: The Untold Story is a gripping documentary series that traces the intricacies of the American Civil War, during which the nation was torn apart by conflicting ideologies and loyalties. The show, produced by Great Divide Pictures and aired by Acorn Media, is a profoundly researched and emotionally charged retelling of this historic event, focusing on the lesser-known people and stories that often get ignored in traditional history books.

Mikhail LaPread, Whit Barr, and Frank Kirtley are the three expert historians who narrate the show, offering a deep insight into the political, social, and cultural factors that led to the outbreak of the conflict, and the impact it had on people's lives. The series comprises five episodes, each of which runs for an hour, effectively weaving together a nuanced narrative that takes us through the entire span of the war.

The first episode, titled "Divided We Fall," opens with the 1860 presidential election, where Abraham Lincoln's victory in the north ultimately led to the secession of southern states who feared that their way of life - including slavery - would be threatened. The episode also discusses the strategic significance of the Mississippi River and showcases how both the Union and Confederate armies aimed to control it. Furthermore, it highlights the experiences of women and African Americans during this period, providing a fresh perspective on the war.

The second episode, "A Beacon of Hope," explores the Union blockade of southern ports, the emergence of the Union navy, and the transformation of the war from a skirmish between states to a full-blown struggle for control of the nation. The episode also highlights the role of guerrilla warfare in intensifying the conflict, and the efforts of both armies to win crucial battles such as Shiloh and Antietam.

The third episode, "War is All Hell," delves into the brutal violence of the war, with many battles characterised by extreme bloodshed and vicious hand-to-hand combat. Through primary sources, the episode brings to life the anguish of soldiers, many of whom were young and inexperienced, and the horrors they faced in the form of injury, disease, and death.

The fourth episode, "The Killing Fields," takes the audience through the challenges faced by the Union as they tried to break the Confederate Army's hold on Southern territories. The episode discusses the famed southern general Stonewall Jackson, who played a significant role in many major campaigns and ultimately died in battle. It also delves into the role of both armies in emancipating slaves, a move that significantly impacted the course of the war.

Finally, the fifth episode, "Unlikely Heroes," showcases the prominent role played by unsung heroes in shaping the war's outcome. These included the likes of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, and Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist who led many slaves to freedom. The episode also covers Abraham Lincoln's historic Gettysburg Address and the eventual surrender of the Confederate army at Appomattox Court House, marking the end of the war on 9th April 1865.

Overall, Civil War: The Untold Story is an engrossing documentary that expertly presents the complex and nuanced realities of the American Civil War. The expert commentary provided by LaPread, Barr, and Kirtley makes it a fascinating watch for both history buffs and the casual viewer alike. The show's use of primary sources, such as letters, diary entries, and photographs, brings the story alive and makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the role of the Civil War in shaping American society.