The American Civil War Endgame 1863 onwards

Booking will close on Friday 26th September 2025 at 12 noon.

Due to limited resources we are UNABLE TO ACCEPT LATE BOOKINGS after this date.

This course will take place ONLINE on ZOOM.

Monday afternoons 2.00 - 4.00 p m for five weeks, 29th September - 27th October 2025.

The American Civil War Endgame 1863 Onwards: The Road to Peace .... if not Unity

Did Lincoln's wife dream of his assassination the night before the play?

Was Ulysses S Grant a drunk?

Why are there statues of Confederate generals all over the south?

Did Britain have a role to play in deciding the outcome?

Is there a Dundee connection?

These questions may not keep you up at night but if you're interested in the answers this is the course for you. We present the Civil War in technicolor glory. This war was not just about dates and battles and this course brings to life the personalities, beliefs, and determination of those involved. It delves into what it really means to be in the midst of civil conflict. How it ravages family ties, is vindictive, and all participants (from politicians through generals to the lowly grunt) have a vested interest in the outcome. No one can sit on the fence. These conflicts tend to be more cruel and bloody and the US Civil War was no different. In fact, it was the personification of a civil war: "Brother against brother". This is a journey through America's tumultuous times. After the Confederate "high tide" of Gettysburg, the dice were cast. This course covers the relentless pursuit of the war by Lincoln and the Federal government. It includes the bottomless Union resource, the relentless US Grant, and victory for the North. Finally, it will see the hopes of emancipation fade only to resurge in the 1960s.

Tutor : Mark Cabrelli

After graduating from Dundee University in both Geography and History and Strathclyde in Marketing, Mark worked in Virginia, USA for 25 years. An avid historian, his special interest in the American Civil War took him to all of the major sites associated with the War throughout the US. From the killing fields Gettysburg and Antietam to the prison at Andersonville and the Vicksburg siege to the Appomattox courthouse and Ford’s Theater in DC.

Combining years of study of this turning point in the history of the USA and its international implications with his knowledge of the country, Mark brings particular insight into this key historical event. His course offers a fascinating perspective on the complex story behind the popular cultural myths and tales of this momentous conflict and its long-term impact.

Course Code 09 105

Enquiries should be sent to: lifelonglearningdundee@gmail.com

As a volunteer organisation with limited resources we try to respond to queries as quickly as possible. Please bear with us.