The American Civil War of 1861 was fought over the incompatible differences with regards to slavery and secession of states. Southern states broke ranks after the election of Lincoln and they established the confederacy. The war began in April 1861 when the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter.
The early highlight of the war saw major engagements such as Bull run, Shiloh, Antietam and fredericksburg. Although the Confederate enjoyed early victories, the naval blockade of the Union made major harm to the Southern economy. These battles led to huge losses.
It was in 1863 which saw the turning point of the war. The victory by the Union in Gettysburg arrested the invasion of the North by Lee. At the same time, the conquest of Vicksburg by Grant provided the Union with full control over the Mississippi River, which economically divided the Confederacy and undermined its position.
Union armies stepped up the pressure during Grant under command, in 1864-1865. Devastation of infrastructure and resources was caused by the march of Sherman through Georgia. The Army of Northern Virginia under Lee, after a siege at Petersburg, finally surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House in April of 1865, and the war was over.
The victory of the Union had saved the United States to exist as one nation. One direct consequence was the end of slaves, which was written into the law with the passing of the 13th Amendment in 1865. The war saw the end of state sovereignty and upholding supremacy of the federal government.
Conclusion:
This American Civil war solved the secession crisis as it kept the Union intact. Its main achievement was the constitutional ban on slavery that was implemented through the 13th Amendment. The war ended the ruling power of the federal government over the interests of states. It took a lot of sacrifice to gain victory but structurally transforming the nation politically and socially, essentially becoming a more centralized form of government.
