American Civil War (Oversimplified)
The American Civil War was a pivotal conflict in U.S. history, fought from April 12, 1861, to
May 26, 1865. Here's a detailed overview:
● Causes of the Civil War
The Civil War was primarily driven by deep-seated tensions between the Northern and
Southern states over issues such as:
- Slavery: The Southern economy relied heavily on slavery, while the North was increasingly
opposed to its expansion.
- States' Rights: Southern states championed states' rights and believed they should have
the authority to determine whether to allow slavery.
- Economic Differences: The industrialized North and the agrarian South had different
economic interests and needs.
● Key Events
1. Secession: Following the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, seven Southern states
seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America.
2. Attack on Fort Sumter: The war officially began when Confederate forces attacked Fort
Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861.
3. Major Battles: Significant battles included the Battle of Gettysburg, the Battle of Antietam,
and the Siege of Vicksburg.
4. Emancipation Proclamation: On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued the
Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free.
● End of the War
The Civil War concluded with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union
General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. The final
Confederate army surrendered on May 26, 1865.
● Aftermath
- Reconstruction: The post-war period, known as Reconstruction, aimed to rebuild the
South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.
- 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments: These amendments abolished slavery, granted
citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and protected voting rights
regardless of race, respectively.
The Civil War was the deadliest conflict in American history, resulting in approximately
620,000 deaths and leaving lasting impacts on the nation's social, political, and economic
landscape.
The End.
