American Civil War

US Secession map 1861

Frederick Douglass (circa 1879)

Two unidenied young boys, one in Union cap, one in Confederate cap LCCN2016652793

Abraham Lincoln by Mathew Brady, 1860.

President-Jefferson-Davis

American Civil War

The American Civil War (1861–1865), also known as the War Between the States, was a pivotal conflict in United States history. It arose primarily due to differences between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery, states' rights, and westward expansion. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, who was seen by the South as anti-slavery, led to the secession of eleven southern states and the formation of the Confederate States of America. The remaining 25 states supported the federal government and were known as the Union.

Causes of the War

The roots of the Civil War can be traced to complex issues including territorial expansion, disputes over the interpretation of the United States Constitution, and the economic and social differences between the North and the South. The immediate catalyst, however, was the contentious issue of slavery, especially with the territories acquired after the Mexican-American War and the debate over whether these territories would permit slavery, as dictated by the Missouri Compromise and later the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Major Battles

The war saw numerous significant battles, including the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Battle of Antietam. The Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Shiloh were also pivotal in the control of strategic locations. The war culminated in the surrender of the Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House in 1865, effectively ending the conflict.

Impact of the War

The American Civil War had profound effects on American society, politics, and the economy. It led to the abolition of slavery, as formalized by the Thirteenth Amendment, and set the stage for the Reconstruction era, a period of significant political and social change. The war also resulted in the loss of more than 600,000 lives and left the Southern economy and landscape devastated.

Legacy

The legacy of the Civil War is complex, influencing the course of American history in terms of race relations, federal versus state authority, and national identity. The war is commemorated through numerous memorials, historical sites, and educational programs across the country.