The Civil War

The Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict in American history that arose primarily from issues surrounding slavery and states' rights. The war was fought between the Northern states, known as the Union, and the Southern states that seceded to form the Confederacy. Key battles, such as Gettysburg and Antietam, highlighted the war's brutality and the deep divisions within the nation.

The issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 marked a significant turning point, as it declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory, redefining the war's purpose and adding a moral imperative to the Union's cause. The war ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Confederacy, the preservation of the Union, and significant legal and social changes, including the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.