As created by Reader's Digest, this series of six historically-themed documentaries examines long-forgotten events from both sides of America's Civil War, drawing on such elements as battle reenactments and historical testimonies. It begins with CIVIL WAR MINUTES - UNION, which utilizes artifacts, letters and archival photographs to delve into some of the enigmas surrounding the Union. Part Two, CIVIL WAR MINUTES - CONFEDERATES, plunges into rarely-heard tales of the U.S. Confederacy, including biographical profiles of the men who gave their lives to fight for the southern cause. Part Three, GETTYSBURG AND STORIES OF VALOR, takes viewers inside of the titular battle of the Civil War - long-regarded as the single most important in that struggle - and other skirmishes as well. Part Four, CIVIL WAR LIFE, explores the day-to-day world of a typical Civil War soldier, and incorporates tales from both the Northern and Southern armies. Part Five, HORSES OF GETTYSBURG,begins by telling the tale of the 72,000 horses and mules that played a pivotal central role at Gettysburg, then expands into a broader investigation of the relationship between many soldiers in the broader Civil War and the animals they utilized. Finally, Part Six, LINCOLN AND LEE AT ANTIETAM explores the most bloody and brutal day in U.S. history, the Battle of Antietam - where disaster struck, when General Lee's plans fell into the hands of the Union Army.