The Civil War: 150 Years. National Park Service Sesquicentennial Commemoration.

Then: July 27, 1861

A New Strategy

Cartoon showing Winfield Scott's 'Anaconda Plan'

The defeat at Bull Run proves the war will not be short. Lincoln calls for 500,000 new soldiers, chooses a new military policy, and gives command to Gen. George McClellan.

Stories: Scott's "Anaconda Plan"
Resources: Lincoln's "Memoranda on Military Policy After Bull Run"

Now: January 23, 2007

The New Way Forward

President George W. Bush gives command of coalition forces in Iraq to Gen. David Petraeus , a change of both tactics and commanding officers that ultimately proves effective.

Stories: Petraeus Takes Command of Multinational Force Iraq