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 over issues like slavery, states' rights, and economic differences. It began after Southern states seceded following Abraham Lincoln's election, leading to the formation of the Confederacy. Key events unfolded over four years, resulting in over 600,000 deaths and the abolition of slavery.
Early War: Secession and First Battles
The war ignited with the secession of South Carolina in December 1860, followed by 10 other states forming the Confederacy. The first major clash was the Battle of Fort Sumter in April 1861, where Confederate forces fired on the Union-held fort in Charleston Harbor, prompting Lincoln to call for troops. This led to the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861, a Confederate victory that shattered illusions of a quick war.
Turning Points: Emancipation and Major Battles
A pivotal moment came with the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, freeing slaves in Confederate territories and reframing the war as a fight against slavery. The Battle of Antietam in September 1862, the bloodiest single day with 23,000 casualties, gave Lincoln the victory needed to issue the proclamation. The Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 halted Confederate General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North, marking a strategic shift toward Union dominance.
End of the War and Lasting Impact
The Union navy blockaded Southern ports under the Anaconda Plan, crippling the Confederate economy. General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864 devastated Georgia, hastening the end. The war concluded with Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. These events preserved the Union, ended slavery via the 13th Amendment, and set the stage for Reconstruction, though racial tensions persisted.