University:
Arizona State University
Course:
HST 200 | Historical Themes
Academic year:

2024
Views:

417

Pages:

2
Author:

Thuyoul US

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Civil War, 1860–1865 Introduction of 1863 The Changing Nature of the War A critical period in American history, the Civil War raged in the country from 1860 to 1865 and significantly altered the course of the country. The war was in its third year by 1863, and its character was changing dramatically to defy the hopes and aspirations of both the North and the South from the outset. Many Americans believed that the war would end quickly and decisively at the beginning of the fight. Enthused and fervent, both sides jumped into the fight believing they might win quickly. But these illusions were quickly dashed by the realities of war, and the length and ferocity of the fighting exceeded all earlier projections. The early excitement gave way to a more sobering reality as losses rose and the terrible cost of war became more and more evident. The lives of common people suffered greatly as a result of the war's protracted duration, in both the North and the South. The conflict's unrelenting demands tore apart towns, tore apart families, and weakened society as a whole. The way that people view work and its place in society has changed significantly as a result of the long-lasting character of the conflict. The necessity to maintain the war effort on both sides caused the need for labor to grow rapidly as the fight carried on. This demand changed the economic environment and brought about changes in labor habits and patterns that would endure well into the post-war era. In addition, as the war dragged on, the slavery debate, which had been a major source of dispute before it began, reappeared with fresh vigor. The Southern economy and society were centered around the institution of slavery, and the war's outcome had a growing impact on its future. The argument over slavery assumed new dimensions as Union forces pushed into Confederate territory and emancipation turned into a strategic necessity, raising the stakes of the fight even higher. People's everyday life on both sides of the conflict were significantly impacted by these difficulties. The battle caused chaos, put a strain on limited supplies, and exposed residents to the sufferings of poverty and famine. Ordinary men and women were forced to face the terrible realities of combat as the war carried on, including loss, anxiety, and uncertainty on a never-before-seen scale. The Civil War's evolving character in 1863 highlighted how violence is both unexpected and transformational. What had started out as hope and idealism had turned into a long battle characterized by suffering, giving up something, and significant societal upheaval. The country found itself at a crossroads as the conflict approached its fourth year, struggling to overcome the difficult tasks of reconstruction, reconciliation, and the unclear route ahead.