These are some of the key events In the run-up to the U.S. election of 1860 that would ultimately lead a young nation to a bloody Civil War.

This is the incredible story of Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, who was mercilessly beaten on the floor of the US Senate by Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina. Sumner went on to survive the attack and became a leading voice calling for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

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This is the incredible story of Senator Charles Sumner, who was mercilessly beaten and went on to become a leading voice in the abolition of slavery in the U.S.

Blood Before the War

As the telegraph made its way across America, it brought with it breaking news and rumors - all traveling at unprecedented speeds. This is the story of notorious editors like Charles Pryor of the Dallas Herald and James Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald who helped drive the nation toward war.

This is the story of notorious editors like Charles Pryor of the Dallas Herald and James Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald who helped drive the nation toward war.

The Newspaper Wars

In a highly disputed 4-way race, this is how Abraham Lincoln, a little-known political upstart from Illinois, strategized to win the presidency in a heavily contested election.

In a highly disputed 4-way race, this is how Abraham Lincoln strategized to win the presidency in a heavily contested election.