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American Civil War

Definition

The American Civil War was a conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) who seceded from the Union over issues including slavery and states' rights.

Analogy

Think of it like a big family feud where siblings have a major disagreement about house rules. They can't agree, so they decide to split up into two separate households. But instead of just moving out, they fight over who gets what - this is similar to how the North and South fought during the Civil War.

Related terms

Secession: The action of withdrawing formally from membership of a federation or body, especially a political state.

Abolitionism: Movement to end slavery that existed primarily in Northern U.S. before Civil War.

Reconstruction Era: The period after the American Civil War from 1865-1877 when attempts were made to solve political, social, and economic problems arising from reintegration of Southern states into Union.

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Practice Questions (19)



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.