The American Civil War explained

Between 1803 and 1854, the United States saw a significant expansion of its territory through various means including purchase, negotiation, and conquest. This rapid growth led to a contentious debate over whether new territories should be free or slave states. The issue of slavery had long divided public opinion, and the rise of abolitionist leaders threatened to ignite a war. The expansion involved annexing territories from countries like France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, tripling the U.S. territory in half a century. The northern states, with a booming economy and a larger population, advocated for free states, while the southern states, heavily reliant on slavery and agriculture, demanded slave states. The debate was further complicated by differing interpretations of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The South emphasized property rights and the right to secede, while the North pointed to the principle of equality. The 1850 Compromise and the Fugitive Slave Law were attempts to resolve the issue, but they only heightened tensions. The rise of the Republican Party, staunchly against slavery, further intensified the political atmosphere, leading to the election of Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, which ultimately triggered the secession of several southern states and the start of the Civil War in 1861.

The Civil War saw several key turning points and international tensions. Initially, the Union struggled due to inexperienced generals, while the South had brilliant leaders like Robert E. Lee. The First Battle of Bull Run in 1861 was chaotic and resulted in a Confederate victory. However, General Ulysses S. Grant emerged as a key Union leader with victories in the West. The Battle of Shiloh in 1862 was a costly victory for the Union but marked a strategic move southward. The Trent Affair in 1861 nearly escalated into war with the United Kingdom due to the capture of Confederate diplomats on a British ship. The Battle of Antietam in 1862, the bloodiest single day in U.S. military history, ended in a draw but halted Lee's invasion of the North. The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 abolished slavery in the Confederacy, redefining the war's purpose and making foreign intervention less likely. The Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was a decisive Union victory and a turning point in the war. The Siege of Vicksburg also fell to Grant, securing the Mississippi River for the Union. These victories ensured that the Confederacy would not gain international recognition, and the war continued with General Sherman's destructive march through Georgia and the Carolinas, further pressuring the South.

The end of the Civil War saw the surrender of General Robert E. Lee and other Confederate generals, followed by the burning of Richmond and the eventual capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, was passed by Congress and ratified in 1865, shortly after Lincoln's assassination. Reconstruction efforts began, aiming to rebuild the South and reintegrate it into the Union. Over 750,000 men died in the war, making it the deadliest in American history. The war's aftermath included granting citizenship and voting rights to African Americans, reuniting families, and beginning the long struggle for true equality. The Civil War's consequences continue to impact American society, with ongoing efforts to address discrimination and promote unity. Abraham Lincoln is remembered as a pivotal figure who preserved the nation and fought for justice, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.