This course explores the turbulent eleven months between the Republican National Convention of 1860 and Virginia's secession following Fort Sumter—the pivotal period in which the United States fractured and descended into civil war. Centered on the secession crisis, the course examines how Abraham Lincoln’s nomination and election catalyzed a wave of Southern secession, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America and the ultimate eruption of armed conflict.

Subject: history

Jim Vos is an American history teacher at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School, where he has inspired students for 36 years. With a deep passion for the American Civil War, he has dedicated himself to bringing this pivotal era to life for his students. Over the years, he has led more than 20 tours of the Gettysburg battlefield for both students and adults, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the history that shaped our nation.