Was The Civil War A Turning Point Research Paper

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The Civil War: A Turning Point In US History The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a critical turning point in United States history due to the fact that it transformed the nation by changing ways with slavery, changing the economy, and even the federal government. The abolition of slavery was one of the most significant outcomes of the Civil War. The war became a prompt for change, with the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declaring all slaves in Confederate territories free. This powerful and life-changing document shifted the focus of the war from preserving the Union to ending slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation not only transformed the lives of millions of enslaved individuals, …show more content…

Before the war, states held significant power. Often challenging the authority of the central government. However, the war necessitates a strong centralized government to effectively prosecute the conflict. President Lincoln and upcoming administrations implemented measures such as conscription, income taxes, and the establishment of national banks to finance the war effort. These actions expanded federal authority and set a precedent for future government involvement in the economy and social affairs. The war also reinforced the supremacy of the federal government over the states, as demonstrated by the Union’s victory and the upcoming Reconstruction period, during which the federal government implemented policies to rebuild the South and protect the rights of newly freed slaves. The American Civil War was undeniably a major turning point in US history. Its impact on the abolition of slavery, economic transformation, and the strengthening of the federal government reshaped the nation's future and what we’ve become today. The war's legacy continues to repeat in American society, reminding us of the importance of, equality, cooperation, and the ongoing struggle for

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