Civil Warriors

Watch Civil Warriors

  • 2011
  • 1 Season

Civil Warriors is a documentary series produced and aired by National Geographic channel. This series takes a closer look into the history of the Civil War era and the struggles of life through the narratives of those who lived it. With carefully collected visual footage, rare documents, and expert-backed commentary, the show aims to create a compelling and verifiable narrative of American history.

The series is composed of six episodes, each of which gives a detailed overview of a vital component of the Civil War. Episode one, "Slavery and Empire," mainly focuses on the origins of the Civil War. It provides a detailed analysis of how the overarching issue of slavery led to the bloody conflict between the North and South.

Episode two, "Radical Reconstruction," examines the period following the Civil War known as Reconstruction. Here, the series presents the various ways in which African Americans struggled to secure their livelihoods and gain acceptance in American society.

Episode three, "The New South," discusses the post-Reconstruction era, which was characterized by the rise of agriculture and industry in the South, as well as its effects on African Americans.

Episode four, "Monuments and Memory," is about the rise of monument culture in the aftermath of the Civil War. The episode presents a nuanced dialogue on the contentious topic of Confederate monuments and their place in American society today.

Episode five, "Organs of State," focuses on the role of the state in Civil War history. The episode details how the complex mechanisms of bureaucracy, coercion, and propaganda led to the rise and fall of the Confederacy.

Finally, episode six, "Race and Reconciliation," provides a critical look at the contemporary debates surrounding race relations in America. With important commentary from social justice activists and historians, the episode offers a sobering but hopeful message that the nation can learn from its past and aspire towards an equitable future.

Civil Warriors is a thoughtful and dynamic series that offers a comprehensive portrayal of the Civil War and its aftermath. It effectively balances the perspectives of different actors in the conflict with a keen awareness of the complexities of history. Moreover, the series often uses primary sources such as letters, speeches, and artifacts to support its claims, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the series.

The production value of Civil Warriors is also worth noting. The series incorporates various cinematic techniques, such as drone photography and immersive soundscapes, to visualize the history being told. The result is a visually stunning and highly engaging series that does not compromise on the essential historic accuracy.

One of the most impressive aspects of Civil Warriors is its unflinching look at the ugly aspects of American history. The series acknowledges and explores the violence, racism, and inequality that have plagued American society, often presenting stories and perspectives that have been left out of mainstream historical narratives.

Overall, Civil Warriors is an informative and visually lush series that adeptly explores America's complicated past. As a National Geographic production, it is a testament to the channel's commitment to enlightening audiences on the vital aspects of history that have shaped our world. As such, it is highly recommended for anyone interested in Civil War history or American history in general.

Civil Warriors
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Seasons
The Hard War
3. The Hard War
April 11, 2011
Follow Tim Sawyer, an army veteran and great-great-grandson of a Civil War surgeon, as he travels to Gettysburg to discover how long a doctor could last working in brutal wartime conditions, where injured bodies were left on the field due to limited space. Sawyer also tries to determine whether, if given the opportunity, his great-great-grandfather could have saved the life of President Lincoln, forever changing history.
Free at Last
2. Free at Last
April 11, 2011
Follow Kenneth Morris a descendent of two of the most well-known heroes of the Civil War: Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. We'll join Morris as he follows the trail of his great-great-uncle, a founding member of the first black regiment and the son of Frederick Douglass, the most famous black antislavery campaigner in American history, to learn more about what a black Union soldier had to do to be recognized as a war hero.
Families at War
1. Families at War
April 11, 2011
Roger Fisk is a descendant of a soldier on the Union side who went to war, not just to preserve the Union but also to free the slaves. Using the letters written by his ancestor as a guide, we'll go on an epic journey to reveal his motive for traveling hundreds of miles through battlefields to go to war. We also meet Christian Latham, a 22-year-old descendant of a private, who wants to experience what his ancestors did 150 years ago in their struggle for freedom.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 11, 2011