Cival War: A Turning Point in American History

The Causes of the Civil War

The United States was founded on the principles of liberty and equality, but from its inception, the institution of slavery had been a contentious issue. The debate over slavery had been ongoing since the country's founding, with some arguing that it was morally wrong to own another human being while others believed it was a necessary evil for economic growth. As the years went by, tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions continued to escalate, ultimately leading to the secession of 11 Southern states from the Union in 1861.

The election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860 was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery by many Southerners. They believed that he would abolish it, and therefore, they decided to leave the United States and form their own government. This led to the formation of the Confederate States of America, which would later become known as the Confederacy.

The Battle of Gettysburg: A Turning Point in the War

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and it is considered one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War. The battle took place in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which is located about 75 miles northwest of Washington D.C.

The Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, had been pushing north through Maryland and into Pennsylvania, hoping to defeat the Union forces and gain recognition from European powers. However, their plans were foiled when they were met with fierce resistance from the Union forces under the command of General George Meade.

The Aftermath: Reconstruction and Beyond

The Civil War had a profound impact on the United States. The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in American history.

In the aftermath of the war, the country was left to pick up the pieces and rebuild. This included the Reconstruction period, which aimed to reorganize the government and ensure that the rights of newly freed slaves were protected.