What is the best way to learn about the American Civil War for a non-american?

by AnakinGabriel
Rittermeister

I'm afraid my advice is rather conventional. If you are really wanting to get a proper understanding of the war, or of any aspect of history, you won't find it in movies, websites, video games, or documentaries. You have to read. Find accessible, introductory-level scholarly works, read them, then look at the references and sources they used. Read those that seem interesting. In this age of Amazon and Google books, you can generally preview anything that catches your interest. Gradually you will head off in more and more specialized directions.

If you're wanting specific recommendations, PM me with what you're interested in. For general introductory purposes, I will say that James McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom remains the best option.

BeondTheGrave

Two questions: Can you read English, and can you understand spoken English? If no, youll have a bit a trouble finding good sources to work with.

If you can read English, which I assume you are (or how are you reading this?) I would recommend picking up either Battle Cry of Freedom or A Great Civil War. Battle Cry is an absolute classic, but I much prefer Russell Weigley's A Great Civil War. It blends both the political and military aspects of the war into a great narrative. Its the book to get, IMO.

If you are unable to get one of those, you could try Ken Burn's famous documentary. But like Rittermeister says above, its a bit problematic for somebody whom I assume isnt super familiar with the topic.

taylororo

People are saying Battle Cry of Freedom, because it's a great book. There is also a series of lectures by the Yale Historians David Blight which you can listen to online. Blight is is a topnotch historian and has a smooth silky voice that please the soul.