American Civil War (1861–1865)

The American Civil War, also referred to as the War Between the States, was waged from 1861 to 1865 between factions comprised of the northern and southern states. Although typically associated with the institution of slavery, the war was the culmination of decades of regional disagreements over ideological, political, social, [Page 12]diplomatic, and economic issues, which dated back to the founding of the nation. The road to war was lengthy, paved with numerous debates and compromises in which leaders from both sides attempted to resolve issues, if only on a temporary basis. In 1860, the newly created Republican Party, led by Abraham Lincoln, sought to prevent the extension of slavery into new territories and states, but not to eliminate slavery across the nation. The Democratic ...