Ep 4. State of Rebellion

In season 1 episode 4 of How The States Got Their Shapes entitled State of Rebellion, the show focuses on the southern United States during the Civil War. The episode delves into how the war changed the shape of the country, both geographically and politically. The episode begins by highlighting the various territories that made up the South and how their borders changed during the war.

The episode then discusses how the Union's strategic occupation of key cities such as New Orleans and Memphis disrupted the South's economy and transportation systems. This led to the creation of guerrilla groups and factions that fought against the Union soldiers. One such group was the Knights of the Golden Circle, a secret society that aimed to create a confederation of southern states. The episode explores how these groups attempted to undermine Union control and how their actions affected the shaping of the modern-day southern state borders.

The show also tackles the political fallout of the Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction era. After the war ended, the southern states were forced to reenter the Union and undergo significant political changes. These changes resulted in the creation of new state constitutions and the ratification of constitutional amendments such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. The episode explains how these amendments impacted the political landscape of the southern states and how they influenced the shape of future state borders.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the various battles and conflicts that took place during the Civil War. The show uses maps and animation to illustrate how battles and troop movements affected the shape of the southern states. The episode also highlights key figures of the war, such as General Ulysses S. Grant, General Robert E. Lee, and Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

Finally, the episode concludes by discussing how the legacy of the Civil War still impacts the southern states today. The show notes how historical markers and monuments are scattered throughout the region, serving as reminders of the war's impact. The episode also touches on current political issues that still divide the South and how these divisions have played a role in shaping the region's state borders.

Overall, State of Rebellion is an informative and engaging episode that explores how the Civil War changed the shape of the southern states. It highlights the various conflicts and political changes that occurred during this era and provides insight into how these events impacted the modern-day borders of the southern United States.