The provided texts detail the initial stages and key aspects of the American Civil War. They explain the events leading to the conflict, such as the secession of Southern states and the attack on Fort Sumter. The resources and strategies of both the Union and Confederacy are compared, including the Union's Anaconda Plan and the South's defensive posture. Early battles like Bull Run and Shiloh are described, highlighting the war's unexpected intensity and high casualties. Finally, the texts cover significant figures like Grant and Farragut, crucial geographic locations, technological advancements, and the early campaigns for the control of the Mississippi River and Richmond, culminating in the Battle of Antietam.