Explore the enduring fascination with the American Civil War in this introductory lecture from Yale University's course on The Civil War and Reconstruction. Delve into the reasons behind Americans' continued interest in this pivotal era, including the human passion for epics, redemption narratives, and the search for the origins of modern America. Examine the Civil War as a moment of racial reckoning and investigate the allure of military history and lost causes. Gain insights into the course structure, required readings, and the broader purpose of studying history. Discover how Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Promissory Note" and Walt Whitman's concept of democracy relate to understanding this transformative period in American history.