What was the primary outcome of the American Civil War?

The primary outcome of the American Civil War was the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery. The conflict, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, arose primarily over issues like states' rights and slavery, leading to a significant schism between the Northern and Southern states. The Northern states, fighting to maintain the Union, ultimately emerged victorious.

One of the most significant legislative acts resulting from the war was the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865, which formally abolished slavery throughout the United States. This marked a transformative shift in American society, as it not only preserved the Union but also addressed the deeply rooted institution of slavery.

The impact of this outcome extended beyond just the end of the war. It set the stage for further civil rights movements and the struggle for equality that would continue long after the conflict concluded. The preservation of the Union ensured that the United States would remain a single nation, paving the way for future growth and expansion.

Other options present scenarios that did not materialize following the war, such as the fragmentation of the Union, which was directly countered by the Northern victory, or the establishment of a new government in the South, which was instead subjected to Reconstruction under the terms