The American Civil War

The Civil War of 1860-1865 was the bloodiest war ever fought by Americans. At least 618,000 Americans died in the Civil War and some experts say the toll reached 700,000. At any rate, these casualties exceed the nation's loss in all its other wars, from the Revolution through Vietnam combined.

The conflict redefined America by eliminating slavery and in the end making us a more unified nation. But it was not a easy affair. For four years brother fought brother, friend killed friend and the nation literally tore itself apart. Foreign nations too, got involved on one side or the other. England and France in particular were rather sympathetic to the Confederacy - but why? Most believe it was to see a weaker United States. Even countries like Russia and Brazil played a part in the unfolding drama of the Civil War.

It is very hard for students young and old to get a handle on the Civil War. As a master storyteller, Deks brings to life so much of the actual living, the personal stories and heroic deeds that make the Civil War so fascinating. He dresses the students in uniforms and clothes of the period, shows the antique weapons, has his audience eat the food and learn about period medicine. Dozens of original newspapers and unique artifacts are passed around, allowing students to finally understand how primitive society still was in the 1860’s.

And he answers some of the many questions of the conflict.

• What was the common man thinking about when enlisting on either side? Was he fighting for states rights, slavery, preservation of the Union, freedom, or just because he loved his country? Did everyone eagerly enlist?
• Why did almost three times as many men die from disease and sickness than did from bullets and swords? We will look at sanitation, medicine and how the armies tried to deal with the health of their soldiers
• What was the real role of slavery in the Civil War? Did the North honor the freed blacks while the South abuse them?
• How did women serve in the Civil War? Nursing, sanitation, factory workers, or even as soldiers?
• Did the North win because they had better generals and weapons? A look at the presidents and leaders.
• How did the men eat? Imagine trying to feed an army of 120,000 men for one day through a road system that was mainly dirt and with no refrigeration or easy method of transportation.
• Why did the soldiers continue to fight standing up in plain view in long shoulder to shoulder lines? Deks uses students to show how the battles were fought along with easy to understand reasons why battles were fought in such a savage and seemingly senseless manner.

"One of the most amazing things I have ever seen was the reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg in 2003. Can you believe it?  Over 24,000 Civil War reenactors came from all over the world to participate in the 140th anniversary of this, the largest battle ever fought on US soil. Literally, when we (Confederates) charged up Seminary Ridge on day 3 of the battle, we had as many men as General George Pickett did when the original attack was made. A truly awe inspiring moment in my life!" - Deks talking about his own experiences recreating the American Civil War