19th century

Soon after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, abolitionists began to call for the creation of black regiments. At first, the South and most of the North responded with outrage?southerners promised to execute any black soldiers captured in battle, while many northerners claimed that blacks lacked the necessary courage. Meanwhile, Massachusetts, long the center of abolitionist fervor, launched one of the greatest experiments in American history.

Traces step-by-step the development of America's nineteenth century handguns and rifles, and the roles they played in our nation's history, including the manufacturing of guns in the South, the evolution of loose powder cap-and-ball revolvers and rifles in use, and the beginning of the self-contained metallic cartridge.

Explains what life was like for an ordinary solider on the battlefield and for his family at home, including camp life, camp activities, and food, and describes what life was like for African Americans, women, and prisoners of war.