The Civil War was a great turning point in American history. It abolished the evil of slavery, established federal power over the states, and—paradoxically—created precedents that restrict individual freedom today. The ideas and personalities of the Civil War are forever etched in our memory, but they are not merely of historic interest. Based on their acclaimed books, Henry Mayer and Jeffrey Rogers Hummel will discuss the abolitionists, political and business interests, war mobilization and conduct, etc.—and how they continue to shape American society.