Samuel Willard Crompton has taught history to a generation of community college students, bridging the gap between the late analog and the early digital age. He is the author or editor of many books, including one on Ulysses Grant and another on Clara Barton. He was chosen to attend "The Civil War in Trans-National Perspective," an NEH summer program hosted by the Gilder-Lehrman Institute and NYU. One of the key questions the NEH scholars concentrated on was "Who won the Civil War?" While it is quite apparent that as of 1865 the twin causes of Union and Emancipation had prevailed, one can be forgiven for thinking otherwise when examining the South in, say, 1895. Crompton is also a major contributor to the 24-volume American National Biography, which is expected to stand as the premier American biographical reference for the next 50 years. He resides in Hadley, Massachusetts, where, when taking afternoon walks, he often passes a white stone by the side of the road that announces the birthplace of "Fighting Joe" Hooker.

"This new volume is a quick and fascinating introduction to the Civil War, touching on pertinent aspects of the conflict. The author covers the battles but also discusses, various social, economic, political, and other issues related to the period. Highly Recommended." — Choice"This is a well-written, interesting approach to Civil War history. It will interest those who have some knowledge and want to pursue inquiries on various aspects of particular battles or other subjects. It is recommended for those readers." — Civil War News"This title could work as a supplementary American history textbook for high school students or serve as personal reading for Civil War buffs." — Library Journal"Using a question-and-answer format, this information-filled volume offers a plethora of facts about the Civil War ... An inexpensive addition to the numerous Civil War books being published during the sesquicentennial." — School Library Journal"The author achieves a strong narrative flow. [He] is knowledgeable and judicious. Like the other Handy Answer Books, this entry on the Civil War is not specifically marketed to young adults, but is quite suitable for teens as well as for general readers." — Voya Reviews

• IntroductionCast of CharactersChronology1 The Road to Harpers Ferry2 Election and Secession3 First Blood4 A Rich Man’s War and a Poor Man’s Fight5 Crimson Tide6 The Home Front7 Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Battery Wagner8 Battles for the West9 Total War10 The Final Struggles11 Elegies and Eulogies12 The Civil War in the National MemoryAppendix A: Jefferson Davis First Inaugural Address, February 18, 1861Appendix B: Abraham Lincolns First Inaugural Address,, March 4, 1861Appendix C: The Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863Appendix D: The Gettysburg Address, November 23, 1863Appendix E: Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865Appendix F: Appendix F: Jefferson Davis conversation with Gilmore and Jaquess, July 17, 1864Appendix G: Conversation between Secretary of War Stanton and Major General William T. Sherman, January 12, 1865Appendix H: The Thirteenth AmendmentAppendix I: Union Regiments that Suffered the Highest Percentage of Total CasualtiesBibliographyIndex