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The '''American Civil War''' was one of the most traumatic experiences in the nation's history, in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states. The Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865, involving the government of the [[United States of America]] and the eleven southern states which seceded from the Union and formed their own government called the [[Confederate States of America]]. In proportion to the total population, the Civil War was the most costly war fought in American history; 650,000 soldiers died in the war, two-thirds from disease and one-third from battle wounds. Many more were wounded but recovered.

The '''American Civil War''' was one of the most traumatic experiences in the nation's history, in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states. The Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865, involving the government of the [[United States of America]] and the eleven southern states which seceded from the Union and formed their own government called the [[Confederate States of America]]. In proportion to the total population, the Civil War was the most costly war fought in American history; 650,000 soldiers died in the war, two-thirds from disease and one-third from battle wounds. Many more were wounded but recovered.

The [[Republican Party]] controlled the North, while the [[Democratic Party]] controlled the South.  In an irony of history, alliances gradually switched afterwards such that the opposite is generally true today.  In addition, abuse of power by the North against the South long after the war was over caused resentment by many southerners that continues through the present.

The [[Republican Party]] controlled the North, while the [[Democratic Party]] controlled the South.  In an irony of history, alliances gradually switched afterwards such that the opposite is generally true today.  In addition, abuse of power by the North against the South long after the war was over caused resentment by many southerners which continues through the present.

For the social, political, economic and diplomatic history see [[American Civil War homefront]].

For the social, political, economic and diplomatic history see [[American Civil War homefront]].