"The Civil War and Reconstruction"

The Civil War (1861-1865) was a conflict in the United States primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights. It pitted the Northern states (Union) against the Southern states (Confederacy). The war resulted in significant loss of life and ended with the defeat of the Confederacy, leading to the abolition of slavery. Reconstruction (1865-1877) followed, aiming to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. This period saw new laws and constitutional amendments supporting civil rights, but it also faced resistance and ultimately ended with a return to restrictive practices in the South.