The American Civil War was a devastating and defining conflict that lasted from 1861 to 1865. It was a brutal struggle between the northern states, known as the Union, and the southern states, known as the Confederacy. The war was sparked by the southern states' desire to preserve and expand slavery, which they saw as a fundamental right. The Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, was determined to keep the country united and abolish slavery. The war was fought on many different fronts, including battles in Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The conflict saw some of the bloodiest battles in American history, including the Battle of Gettysburg, which was one of the turning points of the war. The war also saw the use of new technologies and tactics, such as trench warfare and ironclad warships. In the end, the Union emerged victorious, but at a great cost in terms of human life and economic devastation. The war ultimately led to the abolition of slavery, but it also left deep scars on the nation, including ongoing racial tensions and social inequalities that still affect us today.