I must say I was deeply excited to see the American Civil War, as I greatly enjoyed previous instalments in this franchise, most notably the Thirty Years War, which was a huge stand out not only in length, but in the desecration of Germany, something that was genre-defining for wars to come.
With strong ideological roots and a clear clash of moralising forces, the premise of the American Civil War rang clear.
The leaders, in particular Abraham Lincoln, were rousing and inspired loyalty even in the heart of this reviewer.
Of particular note was the Battle of Fort Sutner, which really set the action rolling, and from there the dryer legislative slant of the war gave way to the bloody battles and smaller skirmishes that we were all there to see.
The main theatres of the war thoroughly engaging, though the Trans-Mississippi area and the naval elements could really have gotten more of a look-in.
A very enjoyable coda to the main action came in the form of the Gettysburg Address. It was given by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of a memorial following the end of the war, which I’m sure audiences present and future will look to as a speechmaking staple.
An inspiring series of events all round. Well- executed and politically charged.
I give it four stars.
