This meticulously curated collection of primary source documents covers every aspect of the American Civil War, from its origins to its bloody engagements, all the way through the Reconstruction period. With approximately 300 primary sources, this comprehensive set includes orders and reports of significant battles, political debates and speeches, legislation, court cases, and literary works from the Civil War era. The documents provide insight into the thinking of all participants, drawing upon a vast range of sources that offer both a Northern and Southern perspective. The book gives equal treatment to Eastern and Western Theaters and Union and Confederate sources, and sources are presented chronologically so readers can compare and contrast documents as key events unfold. Each primary source begins with an introduction that sets the document in its proper context and concludes with an analysis of the document that will help students to understand the document's significance.