The Civil War: America’s Bloodiest Conflict
The Civil War was the U.S. war between the North and the South (1861-1865). Learn about this conflict over slavery that divided America.
Name the U.S. war between the North and the South. The Civil War or the War Between the States. This war (1861-1865) pitted the Northern states (Union) against the Southern states (Confederacy). The fundamental cause was slavery—Southern states wanted to preserve it, while Northern states increasingly opposed it. The war resulted in over 620,000 deaths, Union victory, slavery’s abolition, and the preservation of the United States as one nation.
For the citizenship test, you need to know that the Civil War (or War Between the States) was the war between the North and South.
The Essential Facts
For the citizenship test, remember: The Civil War (or War Between the States) was the war between the North and the South.
Key facts:
- Years: 1861-1865 (4 years)
- North (Union): 23 states led by President Abraham Lincoln
- South (Confederacy): 11 states that seceded
- Main cause: Slavery
- Result: Union victory, slavery abolished
- Deaths: About 620,000-750,000 soldiers
This was America’s bloodiest and most important war.
Complete Explanation
For full details about the Civil War, including:
- Causes (slavery, states’ rights, economic differences)
- Major battles (Gettysburg, Antietam, Vicksburg, etc.)
- Key leaders (Lincoln, Grant, Lee, Davis)
- Emancipation Proclamation
- War’s outcome and Reconstruction
- Long-term impact
See our comprehensive article “The Civil War: War Between the North and South” (Question 60) in the uscis-questions category.
Quick Summary
The Two Sides:
Union (North) – 23 states:
- Led by President Abraham Lincoln
- Population: ~22 million
- Advantages: More people, factories, railroads, navy
- Goal: Preserve the Union; later, end slavery
Confederacy (South) – 11 states:
- Led by President Jefferson Davis
- Population: ~9 million (including 3.5 million enslaved people)
- Advantages: Military tradition, fighting defensively, talented generals
- Goal: Independence and preserve slavery
Main Cause:
Slavery. Southern states seceded to preserve slavery. Northern states fought to preserve the Union and increasingly to end slavery.
Major Events:
- Fort Sumter (April 1861): Confederate attack started the war
- Antietam (September 1862): Bloodiest single day; led to Emancipation Proclamation
- Gettysburg (July 1863): Turning point; Union victory
- Vicksburg (July 1863): Union gained control of Mississippi River
- Sherman’s March (1864): Devastated Georgia and Carolinas
- Appomattox (April 1865): Lee surrendered to Grant, ending war
Outcome:
- Union victory preserved the United States
- Slavery abolished (Thirteenth Amendment, 1865)
- About 620,000-750,000 soldiers died
- South devastated economically
- Reconstruction attempted to rebuild South and integrate freed people
Why It’s Called the “Civil War”
Civil War:
Most common name. A civil war is fought between people of the same country.
War Between the States:
Also acceptable. Emphasizes it was between state governments. Some Southerners prefer this term.
Other Names:
- “War of the Rebellion” (Union term – South rebelled)
- “War of Northern Aggression” (some Southern term – inaccurate)
- “War for Southern Independence” (Confederate perspective)
For the citizenship test, use “Civil War” or “War Between the States.” Both are correct.
What to Memorize
For the citizenship test:
Answer: The Civil War (or War Between the States)
Additional facts to know:
- Fought 1861-1865
- Between North and South
- Over slavery
- North (Union) won
- Slavery was abolished
This is sufficient for the test.
Connection to Other Questions
This question connects to:
- Question 60: Civil War (detailed version)
- Question 61: Problems that led to Civil War
- Question 62: Abraham Lincoln (president during Civil War)
- Question 57/63: Emancipation Proclamation
- Question 72: Wars in the 1800s
Understanding the Civil War is essential to understanding American history.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Civil War?
The war between the North and South (1861-1865). This is the answer for the citizenship test.
Why was it fought?
Primarily over slavery. Southern states wanted to preserve slavery; Northern states increasingly opposed it.
Who won?
The Union (North) won. The Confederacy was defeated.
How many people died?
About 620,000-750,000 soldiers – more than all other American wars combined until World War II.
What was the bloodiest battle?
Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) had most total casualties – about 51,000.
When did it end?
April 1865, when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House.
Did slavery end immediately?
The Emancipation Proclamation (1863) freed slaves in Confederate territory. The Thirteenth Amendment (1865) abolished slavery everywhere.
What happened to the South?
The South was devastated. Cities destroyed, economy ruined. Reconstruction (1865-1877) attempted to rebuild.
Could the South have won?
Unlikely. The North had more people, resources, and industry. The South’s best hope was outlasting Northern will to fight.
What should I memorize for the citizenship test?
The Civil War (or War Between the States) was the war between the North and South. Know it was fought over slavery (1861-1865) and the North won. This is sufficient for the test.