House Divided, A - The Brothers War

The year is 1861. At 4:40 a.m. on April 12, Confederate artillery batteries open fire on Fort Sumter. The South Carolina fort, which guards the entrance to Charleston harbor, was bombarded for thirty-three hours with 4000 rounds before the Union troops inside lowered the American flag and surrendered.

Thus began the American Civil War. Over the next four years, three million men would take up arms against one another. In many cases, families would be split and loved ones would end up on the same battlefield opposing each other. When it was over, at least 620,000 Americans had lost their lives. There was hardly a family that didn't experience loss. It had truly been a "brothers war."

You and up to two other team members will take command of one of the three theaters of operation for the Union or for the Confederacy. Although you have your own armies to command, and generals to oversee, you will need to work closely with your other theater commanders. Together you must decide which generals should command which armies to best take advantage of their unique talents. You must also decide who will control armies as they travel from one theater to another. Will you retain control of an army outside of your theater or relinquish control to your teammate? Each side has it's advantages and disadvantages, so carefully consider your decisions: the fate of the Union and Confederacy hang in the balance.