What happens when a nation built on freedom and unity is torn apart by war? In The Civil War and Reconstruction: America Divided and Reunited, historian Alexander West explores the causes, key figures, battles, and legacies of America's most defining conflict. From Abraham Lincoln's leadership to the challenges of Reconstruction, this book brings the era to life with vivid storytelling and clear analysis. Discover how the Union was preserved, slavery was abolished, and the struggle for equality began. Explore the complexities of the postwar South, the rise of the Freedmen's Bureau, and the amendments that changed the Constitution forever. Learn how the promise of Reconstruction was both achieved and undermined-and why its lessons still matter today. Whether you're a student, teacher, or curious reader, this book offers an accessible and insightful guide to understanding the Civil War and the era that shaped America's future.