The Civil War

The Civil War was a major conflict fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was a war between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and the preservation of the Union.

Causes of the Civil War

Slavery: The issue of slavery was a major cause of the Civil War. The Northern states wanted to abolish slavery, while the Southern states relied on slave labor for their economy.
States' Rights: The Southern states believed in the rights of individual states to govern themselves, while the Northern states believed in a strong federal government.
Preservation of the Union: The Northern states wanted to preserve the Union, while the Southern states wanted to secede and form their own independent nation.

Key Events

Some key events of the Civil War include:

Fort Sumter: The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, in April 1861.
Gettysburg: The Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 was a turning point in the war, resulting in a Union victory and high casualties on both sides.
Emancipation Proclamation: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free.
Appomattox Court House: The Civil War effectively ended with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.

Impact of the Civil War

The Civil War had a profound impact on the United States, leading to the abolition of slavery, the strengthening of the federal government, and the reunification of the country.