The American Civil War: A Conflict Defining a Nation
Prelude to the War
The American Civil War, also known as the War of the Rebellion or the War Between the States, erupted on April 12, 1861, and raged until May 26, 1865. Its roots lay in decades of mounting tensions over slavery, the balance of power between the federal government and individual states, and economic disparities between the Northern and Southern states.
German-Americans in the Union Army
Among the significant immigrant groups that fought for the Union, German-Americans emerged as the largest ethnic contingent, contributing an estimated 180,000 soldiers to the cause. Their motivation stemmed from various factors, including a strong belief in the Union and anti-slavery sentiments, as well as the desire to protect their adopted homeland.
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