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Online Program

Online Lecture: 1861 — The Turbulent Start of the Civil War

Program No. 25228RJ
Join us on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A about the start of the Civil War on April 12, 1861.
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Political ScienceMilitary HistoryHistoryOnline Lecture
Length
1 hour
Rating
New
Starts at
25

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At a Glance

The American Civil War erupted on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter. Join historian Dr. Brad Gottfried to explore this pivotal year and the turbulent events that shaped it, including Abraham Lincoln's election and inauguration, the secession of Southern states and the reactions of both the American public and foreign leaders to these historic developments.

General Notes

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.
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Brad Gottfried
Brad Gottfried earned his Ph.D. and then spent 40 years in higher education, retiring as a college president. Although he became an administrator, he taught college courses just about every year. Upon retirement, he moved to Pennsylvania and became a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide and an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide. He is the author of 18 books on the Civil War, ranging from military studies to Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg. Among his greatest joys are taking guests around Gettysburg and the Antietam battlefield.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Brad Gottfried View biography
Brad Gottfried earned his Ph.D. and then spent 40 years in higher education, retiring as a college president. Although he became an administrator, he taught college courses just about every year. Upon retirement, he moved to Pennsylvania and became a Gettysburg Licensed Town Guide and an Antietam Certified Battlefield Guide. He is the author of 18 books on the Civil War, ranging from military studies to Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg. Among his greatest joys are taking guests around Gettysburg and the Antietam battlefield.
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