How long did the US Civil War last? This pivotal event in American history, which occurred from 1861 to 1865, lasted for four tumultuous years. The Civil War was a defining moment that deeply affected the fabric of the nation, leading to the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union.
The conflict began in 1861 when eleven Southern states seceded from the Union, citing issues such as states’ rights and the protection of slavery as their primary motivations. The Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, was determined to maintain the unity of the nation and to put an end to the institution of slavery. The war resulted in massive casualties, both in terms of soldiers and civilians, and left a lasting scar on the American landscape.
The first year of the war saw a series of Confederate victories, but the tide began to turn in 1862. That year, Union General Ulysses S. Grant captured Fort Donelson in Tennessee, and General George B. McClellan was unable to take Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital. In 1863, Grant captured Vicksburg, Mississippi, which secured control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.
The war reached its climax in 1864, with General William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea and the subsequent capture of Atlanta, Georgia. In April 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
In conclusion, the US Civil War lasted for four years, from 1861 to 1865. The conflict was a turning point in American history, leading to the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the nation. The sacrifices made by the soldiers and civilians during this time continue to be honored and remembered today.
