Overview of the Civil War
The United States Civil War was a conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy), which had seceded to form their own nation. Triggered by deep divisions over slavery, states' rights, and economic differences, the war resulted in over 620,000 deaths and the preservation of the Union.
Causes and Key Divisions
The primary cause was the institution of slavery, which the South relied on for its agrarian economy, while the North increasingly opposed it on moral and political grounds. Tensions escalated with events like the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, who opposed slavery's expansion. Southern states seceded, citing states' rights, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America.
Major Events and Battles
The war began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861. Key events include the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, which turned the tide, and General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864, devastating Southern infrastructure. The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 freed slaves in Confederate territories, reframing the war as a fight against slavery.
Outcomes and Legacy
The war ended with Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox in April 1865, abolishing slavery through the 13th Amendment. It preserved the United States as a single nation and led to Reconstruction, though racial inequalities persisted. The Civil War's legacy includes advancements in civil rights and ongoing debates about its causes and consequences.