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Preserving the Union

Definition

This term refers to the efforts made, particularly by President Abraham Lincoln and his administration, to keep the United States together as one nation during the Civil War. It was a primary goal of the North in this conflict.

Analogy

Think of "Preserving the Union" like trying to hold together a puzzle that's falling apart. Each piece represents a state, and some pieces (the Southern states) are trying to break away. But you're determined to keep all pieces together because you know that's what makes up the complete picture - The United States.

Related terms

Secession: This is when a part of a country decides it wants to become its own separate nation. In U.S history, this term is often associated with Southern states' decision to leave the Union before and during Civil War.

Emancipation Proclamation: A declaration made by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 that declared slaves in Confederate-held territory were free. This shifted the focus of war towards ending slavery along with preserving union.

Civil War: A major conflict fought from 1861-1865 between Northern (Union) and Southern (Confederate) states mainly over issues related to slavery and secession.