This first winter would see naval maneuvers on the Mississippi River and tighter blockades on the Atlantic coast. A new weapon, the ironclad, would make its debut in the Battle of Hampton Roads, near Norfolk, Virginia. Both armies would be moving through the Alleghenies. The Confederate forces would continue their tactical success. The Battle of Shiloh loomed ahead, and both sides would come to the realization that this war would not be easy or short-lived.

The South has seceded and Fort Sumter has fallen. Armies have been raised on both sides. Lincoln is in the White House and determined to preserve the Republic. European powers have hastily declared neutrality. Washington D.C. is being threatened by confederate armies and needs to be guarded by federal troops. Modern warfare is being born. The importance of railways and waterways for the transport of men and supplies through a sparsely populated countryside where no food crops are planted will largely influence military decisions. The first conflict will take place at Manassas Junction in the first Battle of Bull Run.

The first volume of this series gives a brief history of the evolution of the army in America. In the interest of maintaining their independence, the individual states put up fierce and successful resistance to the establishment of a standing army under the command of a central government. As a result, each armed threat meant appealing to Congress to fund troops for a defined amount of time. The end of any conflict meant the dissolution of the army until the need arose again. A true standing army would not be established until 1815, after the War of 1812.

The South is emboldened by their victory at Bull Run. McClellan is hesitant, either unable or unwilling to confront Lee head on, fearing another defeat for the inexperienced Union troops. The North begins to move on Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. The Battle of Fair Oaks temporarily checks the South but incorrect maps, poor information, swampy terrain and bad roads leave the Union unable to solidify their advantage. Infighting between the Army and the federal government allows the Confederacy to escape a devastating blow once again. The South's ability to move rapidly is impressive, but lack of direction by the government lets the opportunity for decisive gains slip away.

The long established political power of the South was no longer invincible. The northern politicians were beginning to push back. Some southern leaders foresaw the economic dangers of secession and instead planned to overtake the Republic. They sought to preserve slavery and their way of life in the face of increased immigration from Europe which created a larger pool of "free" labor. The industrial North was no longer willing to cede to every demand by the southern oligarchy "in order to preserve the Union." The South was prepared for war, and the North could not, and would not, back down this time. Fort Sumter would be the opening salvo...

The year is 1863. Losses in 1862 at Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, and Murpfreesboro have left the Union Army in disarray. Twenty-five thousand enlistees are about to reach the end of their service and will have to be released on the first of May The Confederacy has gained in experience and confidence. Cavalry forays by audacious commanders like General J.E.B. Stuart and Mosby's Rangers are dazzlingly successful. Now, General Hooker is named commander of the Federal forces and changes are coming.