American Civil War

Several decades after the American Revolution another crisis faced the people of the United States. Slavery, a central issue dividing North versus South, would tear the country apart. In 1861, after the election of President Abraham Lincoln, the souther slave states seceded or left the union forming the Confederate States of America. The northern states would not allow the southern states to leave the union, which as a result, formed the basis for the conflict called the American Civil War.

Prior to the initiation of hostilities, the northern states were relying more on urban industrialized manufacturing for its economic base. On the other hand, the southern states relied entirely on cotton and agriculture to provide revenue. The north had extensive advantages over the south. For example, the northern states had a higher population, increased railways for transportation, and large urban centers that could produce munitions and supplies for the war machine. The south, however, did not hold any advantage in materials aside from cotton. These factors were the major influence on the outcome of the war. By 1865 the northern states decimated the confederate armies and destroyed major cities throughout the south.

Some of the most bloodiest battles in modern history were fought in the United States during the American Civil War. In its earliest stages there were some southern successes, but the largest battles would prove decisively in favor of the northern states. For example, the Battle of Antietam in Maryland in 1862 was the single most bloodiest day in United States history. Over 22,000 soldiers lost their lives in this battle. Later, the Battle of Gettysburg, which was a decisive victory for the Union or northern states, caused over 50,000 casualties in only three days of combat. These battles are just two examples of several conflicts which occurred between the north and south across the eastern United States from 1861-1865.


In its later stages the war was waged in the south. General William Sherman led his army across the southern states destroying everything in its path. Cities such as Atlanta were occupied and left in ruins. As a result, the southern will to fight was broken and surrender became the only option. At the Appomattox courthouse in 1865 General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate States of America surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant of the United States of America, thus ending the American Civil War. The northern states won the war ushering in a period of history named Reconstruction - or a period when the south would require extensive investment to rebuild its infrastructure.

After the Civil War the rights of African-Americans changed extensively. Slavery was outlawed in the United States - making all African-Americans free. Furthermore, amendments such as the 14th provided equal protections for all citizens under the Constitution. These developments would be relied upon almost 90 years later during the Civil Rights movement to further ensure the civil liberties for African-Americans permanently.