What did the Union's victory in the Civil War ultimately lead to?

The Union's victory in the Civil War ultimately led to the abolition of slavery across the nation, marking a pivotal change in American society. This outcome was formalized with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. This amendment was a significant step toward civil rights and transformed the legal status of millions of African Americans.

The victory also affirmed the preservation of the United States as a unified nation, but the key social change was the end of slavery. The abolition was not merely a shift in legal status; it also laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights advancements and highlighted the moral and ethical failures of slavery. Thus, the Union's win established a new trajectory for American democracy and social justice that would continue to evolve in the years to come.