The American Civil War was fought for idealistic American goals such as freedom, states' rights, and unity. Such ideals notwithstanding, the four-year war (1861–1865) all too often descended into outright butchery, leading to more than 620,000 deaths. Accompanied by battlefield photographs and other primary sources, this chronicle covers all aspects of the war, including the technology and battle plans of both the Union and Confederate armies. As a counterpoint to the usual history of the victors, the final chapter gives a Southern perspective on the war's causes and legacy.