Civil War

Union soldier holding tattered American flag at Gettysburg battlefield
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The Civil War was a major conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy). The war was primarily over the issue of slavery. It resulted in the abolition of slavery and a reunited nation. The Civil War had a significant impact on the development of the United States and its society.

Summary List

  • The Civil War was fought in the United States between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy).
  • The war lasted from 1861 to 1865 and resulted in over 600,000 deaths.
  • The main issue that led to the Civil War was slavery and states' rights.
  • President Abraham Lincoln played a key role in leading the Union to victory.
  • The Civil War led to the abolition of slavery in the United States with the passing of the 13th Amendment.

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    Quiz Flash Cards

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  • Timeline

    Timeline

    Study the timeline of each module of Civil War, to see the events step by step.

  • Fact List

    Fact List

    A list of essential facts about Civil War is presented in the following bullet points.

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    Wizard’s Pub Quiz

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    Quickfire Challenge

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  • Scrambled Letters

    Scrambled Letters

    Rearrange the letters to make words relating to the subject.

  • Temporal Tangle

    Temporal Tangle

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  • Truth

    Truth

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    Missing Words

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Learning Modules

  • Slavery’s role in the American Civil War

    Slavery played a crucial role in the American Civil War, serving as a primary catalyst for the conflict. The North fought to abolish slavery, while the South fought to defend the institution. The war ultimately led to the emancipation of millions of enslaved individuals and reshaped the course of American history.

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  • Economic factors leading to the war

    Economic factors played a crucial role in the outbreak of the war, with tensions rising over resources, trade agreements, and economic disparities between nations. As competition for wealth and power escalated, countries found themselves on a collision course that ultimately resulted in conflict and devastation.

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  • State’s rights vs. federal authority

    The debate between state's rights and federal authority has been a cornerstone of American politics since the country's founding. Advocates for state sovereignty argue for greater autonomy, while proponents of federal power stress the importance of national unity and uniformity in laws and policies.

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  • Role of women in the war effort

    During times of war, women have played vital roles in supporting the war effort. From working in factories to serving as nurses on the front lines, their contributions have been invaluable. This blurb explores the bravery and resilience of women who have played a crucial role in times of conflict.

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  • Leadership and strategies of Union and Confederate generals

    Delve into the minds of Union and Confederate generals as they navigate the complexities of leadership during the Civil War. Witness their strategic decisions, rivalries, and triumphs on the battlefield, shaping the course of history in this captivating exploration of military leadership.

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  • Emancipation Proclamation and its impact

    The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all slaves in Confederate-controlled territory to be forever free. While it did not immediately end slavery, it laid the groundwork for the 13th Amendment and marked a crucial turning point in the fight for equality and civil rights.

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  • Reconstruction period after the war

    After the Civil War, the Reconstruction period aimed to rebuild the South and integrate newly freed slaves into society. However, political tensions, violence, and economic struggles plagued the era. As the nation grappled with the aftermath of war, conflicting ideologies clashed, shaping the future of America.

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  • Legacy of the Civil War on American society

    The Legacy of the Civil War continues to shape American society, influencing everything from political divisions to racial tensions. Its impact can be seen in debates over Confederate monuments, systemic racism, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Understanding this complex history is crucial for addressing the challenges facing our nation today.

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  • Battle of Bull Run

    The Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was the first major battle of the American Civil War. Fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia, it was a Confederate victory that shocked the nation and set the stage for a long and bloody conflict.

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  • Battle of Antietam

    The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Over 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in action. This pivotal battle ended Confederate General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

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  • Battle of Gettysburg

    The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War, lasting three days in July 1863. Over 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing in the brutal conflict. The Union Army's victory marked a significant step towards the eventual defeat of the Confederacy.

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  • Battle of Vicksburg

    The Battle of Vicksburg was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, where Union forces under General Ulysses S. Grant laid siege to the Confederate stronghold for 47 days. The decisive Union victory on July 4, 1863, not only secured control of the Mississippi River but also split the Confederacy in two.

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  • Battle of Fredericksburg

    Experience the brutal Battle of Fredericksburg, a turning point in the American Civil War. Witness the fierce fighting between Union and Confederate forces as they clash in the streets of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Can the Union Army break through the Confederate defenses, or will they suffer a devastating defeat?

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  • Battle of Chancellorsville

    The Battle of Chancellorsville, fought in May 1863 during the American Civil War, was a pivotal moment in history. Confederate General Robert E. Lee's bold tactics led to a stunning victory over the Union Army, but at a high cost. This battle showcased the brutality and complexity of war.

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  • Battle of Shiloh

    The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862, was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. With over 23,000 casualties, it was one of the bloodiest battles in American history. Witness the courage, sacrifice, and strategic brilliance of both Union and Confederate forces in this epic confrontation.

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  • Battle of Chickamauga

    The Battle of Chickamauga, fought in September 1863, was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. Union forces clashed with Confederate troops in a brutal conflict that resulted in over 34,000 casualties. This pivotal engagement ultimately led to a Confederate victory and solidified their control over the region.

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  • Battle of Appomattox Court House

    The Battle of Appomattox Court House marked the final showdown of the Civil War, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. This historic event ultimately led to the end of the Confederacy and the beginning of the reunification of the United States.

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  • Battle of Cold Harbor

    In the midst of the Civil War, the Battle of Cold Harbor emerges as a pivotal conflict that tests the endurance and bravery of both Union and Confederate soldiers. With thousands of lives at stake, the outcome of this brutal battle will shape the course of history.

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  • Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

    The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was a brutal conflict during the American Civil War, where Union and Confederate forces clashed in intense combat for nearly two weeks. The bloody fighting and high casualties highlighted the fierce determination of both sides in their struggle for victory.

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  • Battle of Petersburg

    Experience the pivotal Battle of Petersburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, through the eyes of soldiers on both sides. Witness the fierce fighting, strategic maneuvers, and personal sacrifices as Union forces attempt to seize this crucial Confederate stronghold. Will the outcome change the course of history?

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  • Battle of Stones River

    The Battle of Stones River, fought during the American Civil War, was a pivotal conflict that took place in late December 1862 and early January 1863 in Tennessee. Both Union and Confederate forces suffered heavy casualties in the brutal fighting, with the outcome shaping the course of the war in the Western Theater.

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  • Battle of Atlanta

    The Battle of Atlanta was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, where Union forces clashed with Confederate troops in a bloody struggle for control of the city. With General Sherman leading the charge, the outcome of this battle would have far-reaching consequences for the outcome of the war.

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  • Battle of Franklin

    The Battle of Franklin was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, fought on November 30, 1864. With fierce combat and devastating casualties, it marked a turning point in the conflict. Learn about the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers on both sides in this historic battle.

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  • Battle of Seven Pines

    In the Battle of Seven Pines, Union and Confederate forces clashed in a brutal and bloody confrontation during the American Civil War. The battle, fought near Richmond, Virginia, resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and set the stage for the long and bloody conflict that lay ahead.

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  • Battle of Wilson’s Creek

    Experience the intense and bloody Battle of Wilson's Creek, a pivotal engagement during the American Civil War in Missouri. Witness the fierce fighting and strategic maneuvers as Union and Confederate forces clash in this decisive battle that shaped the course of the war in the Western Theater.

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  • Battle of Fort Donelson

    The Battle of Fort Donelson was a crucial turning point in the American Civil War, where Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant secured a major victory by capturing the Confederate stronghold in Tennessee. This battle set the stage for future Union successes and marked a significant blow to the Confederacy.

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  • Battle of Fort Sumter

    The Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the American Civil War, as Confederate forces bombarded the Union-held fort in Charleston Harbor. The 34-hour siege ended with the surrender of Union forces, setting the stage for a long and bloody conflict that would shape the course of American history.

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  • Battle of Fort Fisher

    In the final days of the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Fisher rages on as Union forces attempt to capture the strategic Confederate stronghold. With lives hanging in the balance and the fate of the nation at stake, both sides fight fiercely for victory in this pivotal conflict.

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  • Confederate surrender

    After four years of bloody conflict, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, ending the Civil War.

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  • Assainaton of Abraham Lincoln

    On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

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Learning Resources

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The First Battle of the Civil War

The First Battle of the Civil War

Battle of Antietam

Battle of Antietam
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