Social, Political, And Economic Impacts Of The Civil War

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Social, Political, and Economic Impacts of the Civil War

In the history of the United States, the Civil War is regarded as the most tragic event. It

was central to the development of the contemporary structure of the country in terms of

governance and composition. The Civil War started in April 1861 and lasted for more than four

years. In essence, it ensued as a result of two controversial issues that faced the Union. Southern

states had threatened to secede and form confederate states. Additionally, there was disagreement

regarding the constitutionality of slavery in a land that advocated for the right to liberty. While

the South advocated for secession and embarked on protecting the slave system, pressure from

the North led to the emergence of the Civil War. Consequently, the Northern victory let to the

preservation of the Union and abolition of slavery, which significantly influenced the political,

social, and economic institutions in America.

The victory of Abraham Lincoln during the election of 1860 led to the continued support

of the Republican agenda in the North. Lincoln was devoted to maintaining the Union despite

secession calls from the South. Additionally, he was dedicated to upholding the constitution and

opposed disfranchisement of African Americans. The triumph of the North at the end of the Civil

War was crucial to the future of the United States. The nation became reunited, and the South

accepted to remain in the Union. The federal government grew stronger, and African Americans

gained substantial rights.

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Immediately after the war, the South was divided into various districts that were under

military rule. Later, Southern states were readmitted into the Union and allowed to establish

functional state governments. Although the federal government remained superior, the political

system in the South was significantly affected. The Confederate states were disbanded, and other

laws including the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Fugitive Slave Act were invalidated

(Clark et al. 575). Additionally, the planter aristocracy was destroyed, and the political power

was redistributed in the South. The emancipation proclamation led to the abolition of slavery,

and African Americans were allowed to enlist in the army. Such political activities played a

significant role in building America as a nation.

The Civil War had a detrimental impact on the economic system in the South. Typically,

the economy of southern states relied on agriculture. As the war progressed, the military

embarked on weakening the economic power of the South by demolishing their crops and

livestock. The land in Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee was

destroyed. Furthermore, the position of the North to oppose slavery motivated rebellion among

the slaves in the South. Consequently, plantations were left unattended due to labor shortage,

thus, affecting productivity. Such events made the South lag economically in the agricultural

sector.

While the South was struggling, the North enjoyed the economic booming. There was

rapid industrialization in the region as the demand for goods and services increased. As more

individuals were employed in these industries, they became financially stable. Additionally,

legislation, such as the National Bank Act of 1863 and the Pacific Railroad Acts, played a

significant role in shaping the economic future of the country. The imbalance in the political and

economic power between the North and the South was essential to the conclusion of the war. The

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South was unable to sustain its army as the North advanced its strategies. Consequently, the

Confederacy was forced to surrender.

It is apparent that the Civil War had an immense influence on the social structure and

race relationships in the United States. The high demand of workers in the North led to the

employment of women in industries. Most men were serving in the military; thus, women were

the readily available source of labor. Some of them served in the army as nurses and caregivers

of the injured soldiers. After the war, more women were encouraged to join the workforce.

Additionally, women took up roles in family business and farms. The abolition of slavery

elevated the status of African Americans in the society. Although they were granted freedom, the

people of color continued to suffer discrimination in the South. The North was more tolerant.

Sherman’s controversial Field Order Number 15 empowered slaves by providing them with land

and allowing them to own property (Clark et al. 581). Furthermore, African Americans were

allowed to serve in the army. For the first time, slaves were considered equal to other Americans.

It is evident that the Civil War had significant impacts on the political, economic, and

social structure in the United States. Although the war began as a result of the calls for secession

from the South, it evolved to encompass the emancipation of African-American slaves. In

essence, the North became politically and economically stable compared to the South.

Agricultural production in Southern states declined, while industrialization boomed in the North.

The federal government became stronger, and the South agreed to remain in the Union. Socially,

women became critical in the supply of labor in industries. African Americans were granted

freedom and were allowed to enlist in the army. After the Civil War, all parties embarked on re-

construction.

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Work Cited

Clark, Christopher, Nancy Hewitt, Roy Rozenzweig, Nelson Linctenstein, Joshua Brown, and

David Jaffee. Who Built America? Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013.

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