Ep 2. A Very Bloody Affair, 1862

In this episode, titled "A Very Bloody Affair, 1862," we see the Civil War intensifying as the year progresses. At the start of 1862, both the Union and Confederate armies were still learning how to fight large-scale battles. We see the Union's General McClellan trying to take Richmond, but he faces resistance from Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who is quickly becoming one of the most formidable leaders of the Southern army.

Meanwhile, in the Western theater, Union General Ulysses S. Grant is making a name for himself with a string of victories, including the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. However, his success is not without controversy, as accusations of excessive drinking and harsh treatment of civilians tarnish his reputation.

The focus then shifts to the Battle of Shiloh, which takes place in April 1862 in Tennessee. It is here that the true brutality of Civil War combat is on full display. The battle is fought over the course of two days, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The graphic nature of the fighting is driven home through the use of gruesome photographs and letters from soldiers on both sides.

Despite the Union emerging victorious at Shiloh, the toll of the battle is felt both physically and emotionally. Soldiers on both sides are traumatized by the violence they have witnessed and the loss of their fellow comrades.

The episode also explores the experiences of African Americans during this time, as the Union begins to employ them as laborers and soldiers. We hear from former slaves who have escaped to Union lines, as well as from soldiers who are fighting to ensure their freedom.

Overall, "A Very Bloody Affair, 1862" is a sobering look at the escalating violence of the Civil War and the toll it takes on those caught in its crosshairs. It is a reminder that the war was not just a battle between two armies, but a conflict that deeply affected the lives of millions of Americans.