The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict between the Union and the Confederacy, rooted in issues like slavery and states' rights. Key battles such as Antietam and Gettysburg, naval engagements, and the ideological divide over slavery shaped the nation. The war's human cost was immense, leading to a complex Reconstruction era and a lasting cultural memory that continues to influence the United States.
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The conflict between the North and South was fueled by disagreements over states' rights
Election of Abraham Lincoln
The election of Abraham Lincoln, who opposed the expansion of slavery, was a major factor in the secession of Southern states
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln, redefined the war as a struggle for human liberty and added moral impetus to the Union cause
Economic disparities between the North and South also contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War
The Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, had a significant impact on the outcome of the war
The Siege of Vicksburg, which gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, was a crucial turning point in the war
The Battle of Gettysburg, a major Union victory, marked a turning point in the war and reflected the intense ideological divisions between the North and South
The Union's comprehensive blockade, known as the Anaconda Plan, was a crucial aspect of the Civil War and contributed to the eventual Union victory
The introduction of ironclad ships, such as the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, revolutionized naval warfare during the Civil War
The Union's naval dominance, bolstered by its industrial might, played a decisive role in the success of the blockade and the eventual Union victory
The Confederacy sought to establish an independent nation based on the preservation of slavery and states' rights
The Union fought to maintain the integrity of the United States and, as the war progressed, to abolish slavery
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Lincoln, redefined the war as a struggle for human liberty and added moral impetus to the Union cause
The Civil War remains the deadliest conflict in American history, with estimates of military deaths ranging from 620,000 to 750,000
The surrender of Confederate forces at Appomattox Court House marked the end of the Civil War
The period of Reconstruction sought to reintegrate the Southern states into the Union and address the status of newly freed African Americans
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Duration of the American Civil War
1861-1865
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Union vs. Confederacy
Northern states (Union) fought Southern states (Confederacy)
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First Battle of the Civil War
Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861
