Print this page Pride, Faith And Blood: The American Civil War And Its Aftermath

Every Federation has struggles between States’ rights and national policies. In the United States these led to a civil war which cost more lives than all other wars in which Americans have been involved put together. The war left scars that are still raw, especially in the South, where the Confederate flag flies defiantly over some government buildings as well as private homes, and even outside some churches. This course considers the dis-united states and territories before the Firing on Fort Sumter, then looks at some of the great battles of the war, with the help of historical photos and battlefield re-enactments on Ken Burns' The Civil War, then considers the period of reconstruction and the continuing division between north and south, which continues to play a significant part in every American election. At a time when secession is back on the political agenda in Western Australia, this program is a reminder that national unity can be fragile.

Independent Study Discussion Courses are for study by groups without a tutor, so there is no need to write reports. These courses were written by tutors who have now since retired from the Discussion Group Program. Some courses were written a number of years ago, and therefore contain references to events which are now more historical than current, however, all are entertaining, well-produced and worthwhile.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Douglas Golding

Course Code: D211

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

• Ken Burns, The Civil War (DVD)

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $48 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.