7thriv

The Civil War was a costly affair for people on both sides of the conflict. He was also a definition of "moment" in the history of our country that helped shape our modern identity. So let's take a moment to look back at some of the remarkable people places and events of that conflict.

7 Interesting Factoids

1. The American Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865. That was fought largely over the issue of slavery. Most northern states were against slavery. Most Southern states were in favor of slavery. Therefore, it is often called the "War Between the States" (among other things).

2. The term "secession" means separation or removal of an alliance or organization. This is what the southern states did - seceded from the Union, and thus were labeled as the secessionists. South Carolina was the first state to break secede from the Union in December 1860.

3. He later separated from South Carolina, other Southern states were quick to follow. In 1861, ten states will follow suit and leave the Union. To secede, were Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee. These states formed the Confederate States of America (CSA), or the Confederacy, for short.

4. The first real battle of the Civil War was largely an artillery bombardment and siege. It took place at Fort Sumter in South Carolina, where Confederate troops struck the strength of the Union, with mortars and guns held until the Union forces surrender.

5. Many Civil War battles have two names. This is the result of different processes of names among the troops from north and south. The Confederates usually called a battle for the nearest city, while the battles Union forces usually the name of places and geographical features (rivers, streams, etc.). Therefore we have the battle of Bull Run / Battle of Manassas, and many other battles, with two names.

6. The 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was one of the first black in color units to fight in the war. The 54th fought fiercely in many battles, as the assault on the heavily defended head on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. A 1989 movie called "Glory" is the heroic actions of the 54th Massachusetts. Began Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Shaw.