Union (American Civil War)

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== Union (American Civil War) ==

The Union refers to the United States of America and specifically to the national government and the 20 free states and 5 border states that supported it during the American Civil War. It was opposed by the Confederate States of America, commonly referred to as the Confederacy, which was composed of 11 Southern slave states that had declared their secession from the United States.

Background

The Union was led by President Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party, which was founded on anti-slavery principles. The conflict began in April 1861 when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina, prompting Lincoln to call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion.

Military Structure

The Union's military forces were known as the Union Army and the Union Navy. The Union Army was composed of both regular army units and volunteer regiments raised by the states. Key military leaders included Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, and George McClellan.

Economy and Resources

The Union had a significant advantage in terms of industrial capacity, infrastructure, and population. The Northern states were more industrialized and had a more extensive railway network, which facilitated the movement of troops and supplies. The Union also had a more substantial financial system and access to international trade.

Key Battles

Some of the major battles involving Union forces included the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Antietam, and the Siege of Vicksburg. The Union's victory at Gettysburg in July 1863 and the capture of Vicksburg shortly thereafter were turning points in the war.

Emancipation Proclamation

In January 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This shifted the war aims of the Union to include the abolition of slavery, in addition to preserving the Union.

End of the War

The Civil War ended in April 1865 with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House. The Union's victory led to the preservation of the United States as a single nation and the abolition of slavery.

Reconstruction

Following the war, the Union entered a period known as Reconstruction, during which the Southern states were gradually readmitted to the Union, and efforts were made to integrate formerly enslaved people into American society.

Related Pages

• American Civil War
• Confederate States of America
• Abraham Lincoln
• Union Army
• Union Navy
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Reconstruction era