The Origins and Outbreak of the Civil War

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Civil War, 1860–1865 The Origins and Outbreak of the Civil War Taking place from 1860 to 1865, the Civil War is often regarded as one of the most significant and revolutionary periods in American history. Its beginnings and spread can be linked to a convoluted network of social, political, and economic unrest that had been simmering for many years prior to blowing out in a war. The southern states' decision to secede and the ensuing start of the war were sparked by Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860. Lincoln's election was historic because the Republican Party's platform called for opposing the spread of slavery into new areas. Many in the South, where slavery was strongly ingrained in both the economy and society, were concerned by this approach. Long defenders of states' rights, Southern leaders known as "Fire-Eaters" had threatened to quit the Union if their interests were not upheld. Many in the South saw Lincoln's election as a direct challenge to the institution of slavery. They believed that under his president, slavery would eventually be abolished and there would be federal intervention in their way of life. The memories of John Brown's 1859 attack on Harpers Ferry, when an abolitionist sought to spark a slave uprising, made this anxiety even more intense. Southerners were concerned that the incoming Republican government would condone or back such harsh measures. Eleven southern states broke away from the Union after Lincoln was elected, creating the Confederate States of America, which was founded mostly on slavery. The proponents of secession thought they were upholding their economic system, which was based on the work of enslaved people, and safeguarding their right to self-governance. Under the direction of President Lincoln, the Union was committed to maintaining the Union at all costs and refused to acknowledge the validity of secession. The harsh and lengthy warfare that would envelop the nation for the following four years began when war broke out in April of 1861. The Civil War, which was first presented as a fight to save the Union, eventually turned into a larger conflict that would have a significant impact on the continuation of slavery in America. Lincoln saw that abolishing slavery was morally necessary as the war went on because he believed that slavery was incompatible with the ideas of equality and liberty upon which the country was established. Lincoln proclaimed the emancipation of all slaves in Confederate-held territory in his 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. This changed the character of the conflict and made it a moral struggle against the establishment of slavery. It also made it possible for African Americans to enroll in the Union army, which changed the nature of the war even more. In the Civil War, more than 600,000 troops died either in combat or from sickness, leaving an astounding human cost. It devastated livelihoods, tore apart communities, and left a deep psychological scar on the country as a whole. But it also set the stage for the eventual reunification of the nation and the abolition of slavery. The Civil War was essentially over when Confederate General Robert E. Lee turned himself in to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, preserving the Union and outlawing slavery. American politics and culture were drastically altered by the Civil War, which also brought in a new age characterized by the fight for equality, freedom, and citizenship. Its legacy has had a lasting impact on the history of the country, acting as a constant reminder of the need to uphold the Union and the never-ending fight for justice.