The purpose of this course is to make students understand the evolution of the United States from the early republic to a deeply divided nation going into the bloodiest war in its short history. To follow this goal, the course will focus on three main areas: the growing rift in American society as well as national identity leading to war; the war itself, war experience, and the way it changed American society; and on the war's results and consequences leading to reconstruction. Along the way, many specific topics will be touched, such as the problem of mobilizing society for war, diplomacy, or historical memory. To reach this goal, students are required to be prepared for each class through required readings. All the texts will be, with certain exceptions, available online.