Explore the rich tapestry of American history, from the founding of the nation to contemporary events, examining key figures, events, and movements that shaped the United States.
By the 1800s, differences between the North and South over slavery, economy, and states' rights intensified. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 led Southern states to secede, forming the Confederacy.
The Civil War (1861–1865) was the deadliest conflict on American soil, pitting the Union (North) against the Confederacy (South). Key moments included the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved people in Confederate states free.
After the Union victory, the nation faced the challenge of rebuilding and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. Amendments to the Constitution abolished slavery and granted citizenship and voting rights, but resistance and discrimination persisted.
The Civil War and Reconstruction shaped race relations, civil rights, and federal-state dynamics for generations.
Gettysburg Address: Lincoln’s speech emphasizing national unity and equality.
13th Amendment: The law that outlawed slavery in the U.S.
The Civil War ended slavery but left lasting struggles over equality and unity.