Did you know that the American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was the deadliest conflict in American history? It resulted in over 600,000 deaths, more than all other American wars combined. The war was fought between the northern states, known as the Union, and the southern states, known as the Confederacy, over issues such as slavery and states' rights. One of the most famous battles of the Civil War was the Battle of Gettysburg, fought in July 1863 in Pennsylvania. It was a turning point in the war, as the Union forces defeated the Confederate army, ending General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. The battle is often considered a major turning point in the war and a pivotal moment in American history. Another significant event in the Civil War was President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-controlled territories were to be set free. This marked a major shift in the war's goals, from preserving the Union to ending slavery. The American Civil War ultimately ended in 1865 with the surrender of the Confederate army. It brought about the abolition of slavery in the United States and established the federal government as the supreme authority over the states. The war had a profound impact on American society and politics, shaping the country's future for generations to come.