What was one primary outcome of the American Civil War?

The preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery were significant outcomes of the American Civil War. The war, fought from 1861 to 1865, resulted in the defeat of the Confederacy, which sought to break away from the Union. This preservation was crucial in maintaining the United States as a single, unified nation rather than allowing the Southern states to secede and form an independent entity.

Additionally, the war led to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, which formally abolished slavery in the United States. This marked a pivotal change in American society, legally ending the institution that had defined the Southern economy and social structure for centuries. The combination of these outcomes fundamentally transformed the United States, setting the stage for future civil rights advancements and the reconstruction of the South.

This understanding of the Civil War's effects is crucial when analyzing the subsequent developments in American history, including the reconstruction era and the socio-political landscape moving forward.