1.  What influence did black forces have on both the Union and Confederate sides, respectively?

2.  How did life in the south change due to the outcome of the war?

3.  What was the view of the political landscape towards the end of the war?

Introduction: 

             “It was a war to get rid of slavery.” This statement, while not altogether untrue, highlights one of the largest misconceptions about the history of the United States. While it is true that slavery played an integral role in defining the economic, social, and structural landscape of the country in the time leading up to and into the civil war, it was not the only defining factor of the events that prompted the war. Slavery was entwined tightly in a plethora of forces that upset the nation; its abolition or lack thereof less of a moral issue and more a side effect of economic gain.

            One of the most prominent factors leading to the advent of the American Civil War was the incredible economic and social difference between the northern and southern United States. In 1793 came the invention of the cotton gin, and with it a tidal wave of economic change in the south. With the new ability to process large amount of cotton, the demand and ability for farmers to sustain large cotton plantations expanded. This sudden expansion of small farm to plantation prompted a need for a much larger force of cheap, hard-working labor. The perfect solution to this problem came in the form of slavery. The South had everything to gain from slavery, in order to maintain their financial livelihood and the social order they had created because of it. However, while the south began to depend more and more upon the labor of slave hands, the north began to move farther away from it as their society became more industrially centered. When the northern states began to speak of the abolition of slavery, they were not merely provoking the thought of losing house servants; they were threatening the livelihood of the whole United States. By depriving the South of their workforce the north was not only winning a contentious moral debate, they were also securing themselves as the economic and influential stronghold of the country.

 

 

 

                                                           

                                                                                        A Cotton Plantation              

 

            The advent of a machine in 1793 marked the beginning of a change in economics, but also heralded the evolution of the two contrasting mindsets of the American people. These opinions permeated every aspect of the American people’s thoughts and actions; their views on federal vs. states rights, slavery vs. antislavery and the growth of the abolitionist movement. These all led to the eventual election of President Abraham Lincoln, a man who eventually led the United States to dramatic change.

 

 

 

 

                           Early Cotton Gin

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion:

            The American Civil war ended as the bloodiest war in U.S. History. The conclusion of the war served also as the launch pad for extreme social and economic reform that would redefine American culture. The United States had finally done away with the institution of slavery, and in doing so had determined the direction the country would grow in. America came one step closer to its claims as “land of the free.” While some may say that the war ended and the United States became automatically unified into a united and affable people, this is not necessarily the case. While the United Stated did become securely one nation, the American people remained split and fractured for many years after. While the North rejoiced, and reaped incredible economic benefit, the South was left desolate and confused. 

 

            Soon the reconstruction period began, while freed blacks and hopeful whites moved into abandoned southern land with claims to “40 acres and a mule.” Women gained new roles as head of house, while farmers attempted to hire former slaves and save themselves from financial ruin. The seed of the KKK was planted, while blacks were finally granted citizenship "without distinction of race or color, or previous condition of slavery or involuntary servitude." A social upheaval had arrived in the country. For better or for worse, the U.S. Civil war succeeded in bringing about bold and momentous change, and added one more integral piece to the American narrative.

 

 

                     

           General Grant                                                                             General Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Addtional Pages For You Dear Reader:

 

 

• Bibliography

 

• Additions to Timeline

 

• FACTS AND FIGURES: After the War: A review of the economic change that took place within states, before and after the war.  It is important to study the disparity between the North and the South, and how their economies were seperately effected.