The American Civil War was primarily caused by the issue of slavery and the states' rights to maintain or abolish it. The Southern states, which relied heavily on agriculture and the plantation system, were heavily invested in maintaining slavery, while the Northern states were increasingly opposed to it.

Abraham Lincoln was the president of the United States at the start of the American Civil War in 1861. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery.

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union on December 20, 1860, after Abraham Lincoln's election as president. This action marked the beginning of the American Civil War.

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863, is widely regarded as the turning point of the American Civil War. The Union victory at Gettysburg marked a significant turning point in the war, as it boosted the morale of the Union forces and led to the eventual downfall of the Confederacy.

Ulysses S. Grant served as the commander of the Union Army during the American Civil War. He led the Union forces to victory in several key battles, including the Battle of Vicksburg and the Battle of Appomattox Court House.

Robert E. Lee served as the commander of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He was a skilled military strategist and tactician, and he led the Confederate forces to several victories, including the Battle of Chancellorsville.

The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as punishment for a crime.

George G. Meade led the Union Army to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, which is considered the turning point of the American Civil War.

Robert E. Lee, the commander of the Confederate Army, surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, the commander of the Union Army, at the Battle of Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War.

The Appomattox Court House Surrender Terms were the terms of surrender that were agreed upon between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee at the end of the American Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, during the American Civil War. The proclamation declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free.

The Battle of Vicksburg, which took place from May 18 to July 4, 1863, is often considered the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. The Union victory at Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, which cut off the Confederacy's access to supplies and reinforcements from the west.

Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863. The speech is considered one of the most important speeches in American history.

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves.

The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1870, prohibited states from depriving citizens of the right to vote based on race.