The American Civil War was fought between 1861 and 1865, primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights. It pitted the Northern states (known as the Union) against the Southern states (known as the Confederacy).
Related terms
Secession: The act of formally withdrawing from a union or organization. Southern states seceded from the Union to form their own government during the Civil War.
Battle of Gettysburg: A significant turning point in the war where Confederate forces were defeated. It marked a major victory for Union forces and is considered one of the bloodiest battles in U.S history.
Appomattox Court House: The location where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.