The North and South Fight It Out

By: Becky and Noel

The effects of the war swept through the nation leaving Americans in the face of tremendous change. Massive loss of life from both union and confederate soldiers was the price America payed for change. Due to the war, the government raised taxes, gaining more control of the citizens. Southern economy dwindled as the North thrived, widening the gap between the two groups.

Technological advances such as rifle, minie ball, lead bullets, and iron clad ships were created. They were more destructive than earlier weaponry. Hand grenades and land mines also became more lethal. These advances made for a more powerful militia.

The biggest change resulting from the Civil War was the addition of the 13th Amendment to the constitution. The Emancipation Proclamation had only freed slaves from confederate land but did not account for those under Union control. The U.S. needed to get rid of slavery all together. In 1865, President Lincoln ratified the 13th Amendment, abolishing all slavery . His words rang clear through the nation as he stated, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States."

Tragically on April 14, 1865 Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. Sadness swept the nation. Over 7 million people publicly grieved for their late president. Although the Civil War had ended and slavery had been abolished, economic downfall and African-American integration loomed.