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The American Civil War Trivia Book: Interesting American Civil War Stories You Didn't Know
If you went to school in the United States, you probably learned about the Civil War – but this book won’t be like what you learned in history class. Maybe your teacher took the controversial stand that the Civil War was all about states’ rights… or maybe you learned all about the horrors slavery, but never quite figured out why things didn’t get better after the war ended. If you didn’t go to school in the United States, things are even more confusing. When the media is full of references to the Confederate flag, the legacy of slavery, and poverty in the American South, you might have a vague sense that things are bad because of the Civil War… but why? Why does a war that happened over a hundred and fifty years ago still cast a shadow over the United States? This book will tell you why. It will lead you, step-by-step, through the causes of the Civil War, and the effects. But unlike your high school history teacher, it won’t put you to sleep with long-winded biographies and lists of dates. The names you’ll learn are the big players, the ones with big personalities, who made big differences. In just a few minutes a day, you can read bite-sized stories from the Civil War – quick, easy explanations to guide you through the main points, with just enough scary, surprising, or just plain strange facts to keep you coming back for more. Each chapter ends with a bonus helping of trivia and some quick questions to test your knowledge. By the time you’re finished, you’ll know all the facts your history teacher never taught you – from who said slavery was a “positive good” (and why they thought that), to who dressed up in women’s clothing to escape from Union soldiers.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2018
272 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 4, 2018
•audiobook•
As other reviews pointed out, this is not a trivia book on the Civil War. It included highlights of reasons for the war, depending on the POV from the North and South.
Several prominent figures were brought up, but basic information.
Life after the war (including several decades later) was talked about; but I wasn’t expecting that.
It could be recommended as a prerequisite for Civil War studies, but not for anyone who has had any education that included it.
This author has several other Trivia books out; perhaps I’ll pick up one if the topic or war was something not covered in my primary schools, like the Vietnam War, which was discussed in like 2 days in high school.
Derek Newman was exceptional with his delivery and kept it interesting.
As other reviews pointed out, this is not a trivia book on the Civil War. It included highlights of reasons for the war, depending on the POV from the North and South.
Several prominent figures were brought up, but basic information.
Life after the war (including several decades later) was talked about; but I wasn’t expecting that.
It could be recommended as a prerequisite for Civil War studies, but not for anyone who has had any education that included it.
This author has several other Trivia books out; perhaps I’ll pick up one if the topic or war was something not covered in my primary schools, like the Vietnam War, which was discussed in like 2 days in high school.
Derek Newman was exceptional with his delivery and kept it interesting.
February 17, 2018
‘One big political truism that the Civil War cemented in the American political system was that federal law overrode state law.’
Co-authors Bill O’Neill and Dwayne Walker are both prolific writers – and they love to explore all manner of subjects from reiku to trivia. Their initial ‘Trivia War Book series’ addressed World War II, their Book 2 of War Books covered the Vietnam War and now in their third volume they focus on the American Civil War. Bill O’Neill has authored many books on Trivia and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, rock music and simply random trivia facts.
While the synopsis of the book covers many of the facts aka trivia to be found in this book, it is to be expected that the Introduction offers insights into the background of the Civil War that too few people understand. ‘Some people say it’s about states’ rights. Some people say it’s about owning slaves. Most people split the difference and say it’s about a state’s right to own slaves. Even a hundred and fifty years after its end, the Civil War remains one of the most relevant and most controversial events in American history. The North-versus-South tensions, the legacy of slavery, and the debates over state and federal power are still in the middle of practically every major American news story today. But what really happened during the Civil War… and why? What are “states’ rights,” and why were they so controversial? How could anyone have supported slavery in the first place? Was the Civil War really the bloodiest war ever? This book will guide you through the Civil War’s slough of named battles and web of confusing politics. It will bring you up to speed on the debates that led to the war and the debates that happened afterward. The names Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee are probably familiar, but you’ll find out what they did to get so famous. You’ll also get to meet some characters who are a little bit lesser known but who lived equally thrilling lives—from ten-year-old John Lincoln Clem to 54th Massachusetts leader Robert Gould Shaw. With this book, you’ll quickly become an expert in the daunting history of the Civil War, and you’ll never again have to ask “What?” when someone brings up Chattanooga or Sherman’s March. But even more importantly, with this background of knowledge about the Civil War, you’ll be able to form more educated, critical opinions about what’s going on in the United States today, because, as Robert Penn Warren said, you can learn a lot about a moment in American culture by how they talk about the Civil War. It’s going to touch on some controversial issues—ones that are still relevant today—but, hopefully, with its help, you’ll have an easier time understanding and navigating those issues for yourself. The Civil War itself lasted just five years—from 1860 to 1865—five years in which over two hundred thousand people (civilians and soldiers alike) were killed. But to really understand what happened, we need to turn back the clock to the very first days of the plantation system in the South. Why were slaves so important? How could anyone have ever wanted to go die in a war to protect slavery when it’s so obviously terrible? We’ll also need to look forward at what happened after the Civil War was declared over. What exactly was Reconstruction, and why were people so upset about it? How did we go from fighting a war to end slavery to forbidding black people to use the same water fountains as white people? Is it okay now, in 2018, for someone to carry the Confederate flag? You’ll find the answers to these questions and dozens more in the book that’s coming.‘
The book is in six parts – Trouble in the South, The Secession, The Bloodiest War in American History, The End of the war, The Problem of Reconstruction, The Legacy of the Civil War. There are few facts that are not scanned and covered – including slavery (in the North and in the South), the Underground Railroad, Jefferson David, Abraham Lincoln, the Battle of Bull Run, the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s assassination, Reconstruction, the Fourteenth Amendment, Radical Reconstruction, Sharecropping, Jim Crow Laws, and books and movies about the war still being made, the contemporary fallout from that War (racism, etc), – and much, much more. Each section ends with Random Facts followed by a quiz to check the retention of your memory.
For many the American Civil War holds romantic memories of bravery, soldiers coming home, the music, the dancing and the arts changes, but this book – while not concentrating on the negatives – puts it all into perspective and challenges us to study the facts to make sure we have the points right. Read this and talk to people about it and maybe we won’t have another mess like the fear of what is happening currently along the lines of North Korea and a President who seems to not fear WW III.
Co-authors Bill O’Neill and Dwayne Walker are both prolific writers – and they love to explore all manner of subjects from reiku to trivia. Their initial ‘Trivia War Book series’ addressed World War II, their Book 2 of War Books covered the Vietnam War and now in their third volume they focus on the American Civil War. Bill O’Neill has authored many books on Trivia and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, rock music and simply random trivia facts.
While the synopsis of the book covers many of the facts aka trivia to be found in this book, it is to be expected that the Introduction offers insights into the background of the Civil War that too few people understand. ‘Some people say it’s about states’ rights. Some people say it’s about owning slaves. Most people split the difference and say it’s about a state’s right to own slaves. Even a hundred and fifty years after its end, the Civil War remains one of the most relevant and most controversial events in American history. The North-versus-South tensions, the legacy of slavery, and the debates over state and federal power are still in the middle of practically every major American news story today. But what really happened during the Civil War… and why? What are “states’ rights,” and why were they so controversial? How could anyone have supported slavery in the first place? Was the Civil War really the bloodiest war ever? This book will guide you through the Civil War’s slough of named battles and web of confusing politics. It will bring you up to speed on the debates that led to the war and the debates that happened afterward. The names Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee are probably familiar, but you’ll find out what they did to get so famous. You’ll also get to meet some characters who are a little bit lesser known but who lived equally thrilling lives—from ten-year-old John Lincoln Clem to 54th Massachusetts leader Robert Gould Shaw. With this book, you’ll quickly become an expert in the daunting history of the Civil War, and you’ll never again have to ask “What?” when someone brings up Chattanooga or Sherman’s March. But even more importantly, with this background of knowledge about the Civil War, you’ll be able to form more educated, critical opinions about what’s going on in the United States today, because, as Robert Penn Warren said, you can learn a lot about a moment in American culture by how they talk about the Civil War. It’s going to touch on some controversial issues—ones that are still relevant today—but, hopefully, with its help, you’ll have an easier time understanding and navigating those issues for yourself. The Civil War itself lasted just five years—from 1860 to 1865—five years in which over two hundred thousand people (civilians and soldiers alike) were killed. But to really understand what happened, we need to turn back the clock to the very first days of the plantation system in the South. Why were slaves so important? How could anyone have ever wanted to go die in a war to protect slavery when it’s so obviously terrible? We’ll also need to look forward at what happened after the Civil War was declared over. What exactly was Reconstruction, and why were people so upset about it? How did we go from fighting a war to end slavery to forbidding black people to use the same water fountains as white people? Is it okay now, in 2018, for someone to carry the Confederate flag? You’ll find the answers to these questions and dozens more in the book that’s coming.‘
The book is in six parts – Trouble in the South, The Secession, The Bloodiest War in American History, The End of the war, The Problem of Reconstruction, The Legacy of the Civil War. There are few facts that are not scanned and covered – including slavery (in the North and in the South), the Underground Railroad, Jefferson David, Abraham Lincoln, the Battle of Bull Run, the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s assassination, Reconstruction, the Fourteenth Amendment, Radical Reconstruction, Sharecropping, Jim Crow Laws, and books and movies about the war still being made, the contemporary fallout from that War (racism, etc), – and much, much more. Each section ends with Random Facts followed by a quiz to check the retention of your memory.
For many the American Civil War holds romantic memories of bravery, soldiers coming home, the music, the dancing and the arts changes, but this book – while not concentrating on the negatives – puts it all into perspective and challenges us to study the facts to make sure we have the points right. Read this and talk to people about it and maybe we won’t have another mess like the fear of what is happening currently along the lines of North Korea and a President who seems to not fear WW III.
July 22, 2018
This is the second series (I previously listened to the Olento Series) I’ve listened to by this author and I would definitely listen to another. I loved the insight into Ren and all the backstory that helped expand upon the Olento Series characters. His abilities are interesting and well thought out. I think Ren was shown to be a more compassionate and empathetic character, he just lacked the appropriate follow through or outward reaction. I really quite feel for the guy.
Although several of the books in this set are distinct sections of Ren’s life, and could probably be read out of order, I think it’s best to follow the order as each book compliments the next. We are introduced to Ren’s daughter as well as his grandchild.
This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Tim Campbell) and I would listen to another. He did a fabulous job giving each character an individual voice and I think he brought out the nuances in Ren’s personality. I thoroughly enjoyed listening.
There are no explicit sex scenes or excessive violence. There is some swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
Although several of the books in this set are distinct sections of Ren’s life, and could probably be read out of order, I think it’s best to follow the order as each book compliments the next. We are introduced to Ren’s daughter as well as his grandchild.
This is the first book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Tim Campbell) and I would listen to another. He did a fabulous job giving each character an individual voice and I think he brought out the nuances in Ren’s personality. I thoroughly enjoyed listening.
There are no explicit sex scenes or excessive violence. There is some swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
May 3, 2018
I had requested and received audiobook version of this book for free from the narrator / author / publisher, in exchange for an unbiased review.
I wouldn't call it a "trivia" book. It mostly talks about the reasons behind the civil war and then later on, life in the country post war. Now that that's out of the way, the review for the book -
Well, read the synopsis of this book here. That itself is exactly how I felt after finishing the book. I have never read a book synopsis that matches my review so perfectly. As promised, it has bite-sized stories from the war that didn't need me to invested hours together to finish. I kept listening to this book every now n then, with lots of breaks in between and I didn't loss track. I learnt a few things I hadn't known before. Even if you forget that this all is actual history, the stories themselves have great value. As they say, reality is stranger than fiction.
The narration is done alright and there were no audio quality issues.
I wouldn't call it a "trivia" book. It mostly talks about the reasons behind the civil war and then later on, life in the country post war. Now that that's out of the way, the review for the book -
Well, read the synopsis of this book here. That itself is exactly how I felt after finishing the book. I have never read a book synopsis that matches my review so perfectly. As promised, it has bite-sized stories from the war that didn't need me to invested hours together to finish. I kept listening to this book every now n then, with lots of breaks in between and I didn't loss track. I learnt a few things I hadn't known before. Even if you forget that this all is actual history, the stories themselves have great value. As they say, reality is stranger than fiction.
The narration is done alright and there were no audio quality issues.
June 17, 2025
It is a quick read. Doesn’t really get into the battles so much. Mentions a few of the big ones and gives some statical info on them. It is more about the events leading up to, the different societies between N & S, different economies, different social classes, or lack there of.
It has some trivia throw in, covers a few of the major books and movies about the war. It takes the side of the north more than the south I feel, but it also covers the mistakes made by the north after Lincoln was assassinated, including reconstruction, redemption, Jim Crow laws in the south, civil rights movement.
It tries to explain why the civil war is still responsible for race relations even today.
I would say it has a more modern politically correct view of the war, at least compared to early works, that have revisionist southern authors.
Unless you’re a die hard southerner, with a serious case of the Lost Cause syndrome you will probably enjoy this book. I did.
It has some trivia throw in, covers a few of the major books and movies about the war. It takes the side of the north more than the south I feel, but it also covers the mistakes made by the north after Lincoln was assassinated, including reconstruction, redemption, Jim Crow laws in the south, civil rights movement.
It tries to explain why the civil war is still responsible for race relations even today.
I would say it has a more modern politically correct view of the war, at least compared to early works, that have revisionist southern authors.
Unless you’re a die hard southerner, with a serious case of the Lost Cause syndrome you will probably enjoy this book. I did.
October 10, 2019
A good read.
The author of this book has collected much information about the U.S. Civil War. He is right in believing that tensions are still felt today as they were a century and a half ago.
The author of this book has collected much information about the U.S. Civil War. He is right in believing that tensions are still felt today as they were a century and a half ago.
May 30, 2022
Trivia
If you enjoy learning history and like to know random facts, about the American Civil War, this is the book to read. Broken down with guides, as to battles, states rights and the main players. Its easy to read and you will learn something.
If you enjoy learning history and like to know random facts, about the American Civil War, this is the book to read. Broken down with guides, as to battles, states rights and the main players. Its easy to read and you will learn something.
February 18, 2018
It was a great read
The book gave a great history backing it. There were more than a dozen facts I did not know. Very informative but also fun.
The book gave a great history backing it. There were more than a dozen facts I did not know. Very informative but also fun.
February 22, 2018
Good book. I learned some really interesting facts about the Civil War that aren't readily accessible. I enjoy reading Bill O'NEILL's trivia books. He does a good job.
October 15, 2019
Interesting
Very informative. This book was not written with short trivia facts, but was explanatory and more in depth. I learned a lot of new information.
Very informative. This book was not written with short trivia facts, but was explanatory and more in depth. I learned a lot of new information.
January 28, 2021
Great recap of the civil war
Easy to read and flow through. Very enjoyable. Quite a lot of information I knew nothing about before. So up to date
Easy to read and flow through. Very enjoyable. Quite a lot of information I knew nothing about before. So up to date
June 24, 2018
The way this book is done is very interesting. It's like the author is in your room and just talking to you. No pretensions to academia, using words anyone can understand and, further, covering the period before, during, and after the war.
Even more important he shows how the events at that time have effects in our present-day world. That is something that, to me, should be a must in any teaching of history. History is more than dates and numbers. No matter what happens it will effect things possibly even unto today's world.
He starts off noting that the South had better land for farming than the North. This led to large farms which required lots of workers (technology wasn't very advanced at that point) and this led, very unfortunately, to the use of slave labor since they didn't have to be paid. This set up an entire culture of its own in fairly sharp contrast to the much more industrial North.
He also overs Frederick Douglas, the Underground Railroad, Uncle Tom's Cabin (and its effects), Bloody Kansas and so on. He notes there were 372 named battles and around 215,000 killed during the war.
He explains the Anaconda Plan, the number of deaths due to illnesses, the primitive or completely lacking medical care and numerous other topics.
If you want a good, readable and fascinating book on the Civil War then you must get this one.
Even more important he shows how the events at that time have effects in our present-day world. That is something that, to me, should be a must in any teaching of history. History is more than dates and numbers. No matter what happens it will effect things possibly even unto today's world.
He starts off noting that the South had better land for farming than the North. This led to large farms which required lots of workers (technology wasn't very advanced at that point) and this led, very unfortunately, to the use of slave labor since they didn't have to be paid. This set up an entire culture of its own in fairly sharp contrast to the much more industrial North.
He also overs Frederick Douglas, the Underground Railroad, Uncle Tom's Cabin (and its effects), Bloody Kansas and so on. He notes there were 372 named battles and around 215,000 killed during the war.
He explains the Anaconda Plan, the number of deaths due to illnesses, the primitive or completely lacking medical care and numerous other topics.
If you want a good, readable and fascinating book on the Civil War then you must get this one.
Read
January 20, 2019Filled with Northern liberal leftist propaganda to erase or give a false narrative of what the Southern people fought so hard for four long years. Slavery was and had always been a controversial subject long before the War been the States. Calling it the "Civil War" gives the impression that the war had everything to do with "Civil rights" and little else. All this is wrong if your sources are only the history written by the victors and promoted by the propaganda from the liberal infestation of the liberal American schools of higher education and thought.
I don't recommend this book to anyone who wants to be fair and balanced regarding the war between the states.
I don't recommend this book to anyone who wants to be fair and balanced regarding the war between the states.
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