15. The Civil War, 1860–1865

Summary and Review

The Civil War (1860-1865) was ignited by the election of Abraham Lincoln, leading to the secession of eleven Southern states and the formation of the Confederate States of America. Key battles included the Wilderness Campaign and Cold Harbor, with significant casualties on both sides. The war evolved into a struggle not only to preserve the Union but also to end slavery, culminating in the Emancipation Proclamation. The Union's advantages in resources and population ultimately led to Confederate defeat, with Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House marking the war's end.