It was a four-year struggle for the survival of a nation and for its soul, in which 620,000 Americans died largely over the question of whether human beings could be owned as property, and a state’s right to secede from the union. From the early days of the conflict through the collapse of the Confederacy, this LIFE Explores special edition highlights the Civil War’s legendary battles and brings a particular focus to many of the generals, including

Traitor. Divider. Defender of slavery. This damning portrayal of Robert E. Lee has persisted through 150 years of history books. And yet it has no basis in fact. In the spirit of bold restoration, Lee: A Life of Virtue reveals the true Lee--passionate patriot, caring son, devoted husband, doting father, don't-tread-on-me Virginian, Godfearing Christian. Weaving forgotten facts and revelations (Lee considered slavery a moral outrage) with

Packed with breathtaking air battles and ground tactics, this new addition to the Great Generals series features the controversial command and strategies of the former Air Force Chief of Staff. Curtis LeMay was a terrifying, complex, and brilliant general. In World War II, he ordered the firebombing of Tokyo and was in charge when atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. He was responsible for tens of thousands of civilian deaths, a fact he liked to