The civil war in the united states began in 1861, after decades of simmering tensions between northern and southern states over slavery, states’ rights and westward expansion. Background factors in the run up to the civil war were partisan politics, abolitionism, nullification versus secession, southern and northern nationalism, expansionism, economics, and modernization in the. Seven southern slave states responded to lincoln's victory by seceding from the united states and forming the confederacy.
The american civil war was fought between 1861 and 1865 over the issues of slavery and states' rights. The civil war marked a defining moment in united states history. The confederacy seized us forts and other federal assets in the south.
Learn about civil war battles, generals, political leaders and more.