American Civil War: Union vs Confederacy

The American Civil War was fought between the Union (the northern states) and the Confederacy (the southern states) from 1861 to 1865.
The Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, consisted of 20 free states and 4 border states.
The Confederacy, led by President Jefferson Davis, consisted of 11 southern states that seceded from the Union.
The Union had a larger population, industrial base, and transportation network, while the Confederacy had a stronger military tradition and geographic advantages.

Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War.
Given at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where the Battle of Gettysburg had taken place four months earlier.
The speech reiterated the principles of equality and liberty upon which the United States was founded, and redefined the purpose of the Civil War as a struggle for the preservation of democracy and the abolition of slavery.
The speech is famous for its phrases "Four score and seven years ago," "government of the people, by the people, for the people," and "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War.
Declared that all slaves in states still in rebellion against the Union were free, effective on January 1, 1863.
Did not apply to border states or areas under Union control, where slavery was already abolished.
The Proclamation paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865.

Slavery: The central issue that led to secession, as southern states sought to protect and expand the institution of slavery, while northern states sought to abolish it.
States' rights: Southern states felt that the federal government was infringing on their rights and powers, leading to secession.
Economic and cultural differences: The North and South had distinct economies, cultures, and ways of life, leading to growing tensions and eventual secession.
The election of Abraham Lincoln: The election of Lincoln, who was opposed to the expansion of slavery, prompted several southern states to secede from the Union.

The period following the Civil War, from 1865 to 1877, during which the United States attempted to rebuild and redefine itself.
Reconstruction Acts: A series of laws passed by Congress to establish governments in the former Confederate states and ensure the rights of freed slaves.
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments: Amendments to the Constitution that abolished slavery, granted citizenship to former slaves, and guaranteed voting rights to African American men.
Freedmen's Bureau: A federal agency established to provide assistance to former slaves, including education, healthcare, and economic support.
Sharecropping and Jim Crow laws: Systems established in the South to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans, undermining the gains of Reconstruction.

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was fought between the Union (20 free states and 4 border states) led by President Abraham Lincoln and the Confederacy (11 southern states that seceded) led by President Jefferson Davis.
The Union had a larger population, industrial base, and transportation network, while the Confederacy had a stronger military tradition and geographic advantages.

Delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
The speech reiterated the principles of equality and liberty upon which the United States was founded, and redefined the purpose of the Civil War as a struggle for the preservation of democracy and the abolition of slavery.
Famous phrases include "Four score and seven years ago," "government of the people, by the people, for the people," and "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War.
Declared all slaves in states still in rebellion against the Union were free, effective on January 1, 1863, but did not apply to border states or areas under Union control.
The Proclamation paved the way for the eventual abolition of slavery with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865.

Slavery: The central issue that led to secession, as southern states sought to protect and expand slavery, while northern states sought to abolish it.
States' rights: Southern states felt the federal government was infringing on their rights and powers, leading to secession.
Economic and cultural differences: The North and South had distinct economies, cultures, and ways of life, leading to growing tensions and eventual secession.
The election of Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln's election, opposed to the expansion of slavery, prompted several southern states to secede from the Union.

The period following the Civil War, from 1865 to 1877, during which the United States attempted to rebuild and redefine itself.
Reconstruction Acts: A series of laws passed by Congress to establish governments in the former Confederate states and ensure the rights of freed slaves.
13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments: Amendments to the Constitution that abolished slavery, granted citizenship to former slaves, and guaranteed voting rights to African American men.
Freedmen's Bureau: A federal agency established to provide assistance to former slaves, including education, healthcare, and economic support.
Sharecropping and Jim Crow laws: Systems established in the South to restrict the rights and freedoms of African Americans, undermining the gains of Reconstruction.