"I am passionately interested in understanding how my country works. And if you want to know about this thing called the United States of America you have to know about the Civil War"

Ken Burns is revealing his passion for comprehending the history of the United States of America. He thinks that in order to really comprehend the country, one must comprehend the Civil War. The Civil War was a specifying moment in American history, and it shaped the country into what it is today. It was a conflict in between the northern and southern states, and it resulted in the abolition of slavery. The war likewise had a lasting impact on the economy, politics, and culture of the United States. By understanding the Civil War, one can gain a better understanding of the history of the United States and how it has evolved in time. Ken Burns' quote is a tip of the importance of understanding the Civil War and its effect on the nation.