Video - The American Civil War: A Turning Point in U.S. History

The American Civil War began in 1861 due to tensions over slavery and states' rights. Following Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860, Southern states seceded, leading to the attack on Fort Sumter and the start of the war. Major battles like Gettysburg and Antietam were pivotal, and in 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confederate states. African American soldiers fought valiantly for the Union. Sherman’s March to the Sea and the fall of Richmond in 1865 weakened the Confederacy. General Lee's surrender at Appomattox marked the war’s end. Lincoln's assassination soon after cast a shadow over the victory. Reconstruction aimed to rebuild the nation and integrate freed slaves, setting the stage for future civil rights progress. The Civil War reshaped the U.S., highlighting the costs of division and the ongoing struggle for equality.