The Civil War still holds a prominent place in the American imagination. Reenactments and battlefield visits are popular tourist attractions for both Northerners and Southerners. The underlying issues of racism and states' rights that caused the war are also still visible in American society. Sidebars, timelines, and historic images augment the informative narrative. Detailed maps illustrate how the Civil War was fought. Annotated quotes and discussion questions help readers develop a deeper understanding of the reality of the American Civil War and draw comparisons between this historical period and modern times.