A violent protest against debt collection and taxation practices motivated George Washington to come out of retirement to help strengthen the fragile new nation. This was the spark that led to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

In the annals of the Civil War, the great battles dominate. Names like Gettysburg, Chancellorsville or Antietam are famous by sheer weight of blood and horror. Where armies of men by the tens of thousands opposed each other, these were the vast, open, visible spectacles of the conflict. But the well-worn archives of that time are also filled with the details of far lesser-known actions like a Confederate attempt to burn down New York City. They were clever, daring, covert operations designed to frighten the enemy, disrupt his supplies, and destroy his morale. Clandestine plans, fueled by ingenuity and bravado, they defied the odds for a chance at success. In this 2-hour special, we'll explore these little-known but exciting acts of ingenuity and bravery.

This 90-minute special explores Civil War naval history, specifically the exploits of the war's greatest naval hero, Lieutenant William B. Cushing.

Host Peter Woodward leads a team of rookies in mastery of the Civil War arsenal.

The Civil War was a "Brother's War" where men were often forced to fight against their own families. This program profiles Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jeb Stuart, all of whom waged such personal struggles.

Chronicles the plight of the innocent women, children, and the elderly caught up in the war. Tragic and inspiring stories include the death of beautiful Jenny Wade, killed by sharpshooters at Gettysburg.

The story of how journalism brought the tragedy of the struggle home and shattered the romantic notion of war. Focuses on the work of Alfred Waud, Winslow Homer, Alexander Gardner, and other talented reporters, artists, and photographers.