For more than four years, Americans fought Americans in the Civil War. The South wanted to exist as an independent nation. The North wanted to force the South back into the Union. The war was also linked closely to the question of slavery. President Lincoln made this clear when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Throughout the North and the South, both soldiers and civilians experienced much suffering. The Union's armies struggled in the early years of the war. However, the North's superior resources wore heavily on the South. By the end of 1863, the South was in retreat. In 1865, the South surrendered and the Civil War came to an end.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to research the background and work of the Red Cross. (See Teacher's Edition, page 465.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on expanding students' understanding of the Civil War.
  
  

Section 1: The Conflict Takes Shape

Section 2: A Long, Difficult Struggle

Section 3: A Promise of Freedom

Section 4: Hardships of War

Section 5: The War Ends