Overview of the American Civil War
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a conflict between the Northern Union states and the Southern Confederate states, resulting in over 620,000 deaths. It arose from deep-seated divisions over slavery, economic differences, and political power, ultimately reshaping the nation.
Primary Causes of the War
The war's roots lay in sectionalism fueled by slavery, with the South's agrarian economy dependent on enslaved labor contrasting the North's industrialization. Key triggers included the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln, seen as anti-slavery, and debates over states' rights versus federal authority, exemplified by the Missouri Compromise and Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Practical Example: The Role of Slavery in Secession
South Carolina's 1860 secession ordinance directly cited the threat to slavery from Lincoln's policies, illustrating how economic interests intertwined with moral debates. This led to the formation of the Confederacy, highlighting how slavery was not just a social issue but a cornerstone of Southern identity and economy.
Consequences and Lasting Impact
The Union victory abolished slavery via the 13th Amendment, but Reconstruction (1865-1877) brought racial tensions, Jim Crow laws, and economic devastation in the South. Nationally, it strengthened federal power, spurred industrialization, and set the stage for civil rights movements, though inequalities persisted for generations.