Part 5: A new birth of freedom

Across the country, Confederate armies advance north into Union-held territory hoping to continue their string of victories and force the Federals to sue for peace.

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GRAPHIC: Gene Thorp - The Washington Post. Published Sept. 7, 2012.

Part 1: The Road to War

Nov. 1860 to April 11, 1861

Gene Thorp Nov. 1, 2010

Abraham Lincoln's election spurred the slave-holding states of the Deep South to secede.

Part 2: Fury Unleashed

April 12, 1861 to Sept. 1861

By Gene Thorp Apr. 12, 2011

Years of built up tension are released when the opening shots of the Civil War are fired.

Part 3: Northern Resurgence

Oct. 1861 to April 5, 1862

Gene Thorp Oct. 7, 2011

The North continues its efforts to crush the rebellion and pushes the Confederacy to the brink of collapse.

Part 4: Rebellion Rebound

April 6 to Sept. 1, 1862

Gene Thorp March 4, 2012

Confederate armies pull together and push the Federals back to the gates of Washington.

Battles & Casualties interactive map

April 12, 1861 to June 30, 1865

Gene Thorp April 12, 2011

Press the play button and watch the war unfold over time.

Civil War 150

The Washington Post continues its special coverage of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.