The civil War Essay Example for Free

The civil War Essay The beginnings of the American Civil War were born from a disagreement between the Northern and Southern part of the United States of America. The south still believed in slavery and wanted to use it as a normal routine since slave labor constituted a major part of their workforce (Greene 302). The sentiments in the north were much different as they believed that a ban on slavery was only proper and the northerners were willing to make sure that the entire United States took part in this. The southerners did not want such a change to occur and this is when the civil war began. â€Å"Lincoln did not propose federal laws against slavery where it already existed, but he had, in his 1858 House Divided Speech, expressed a desire to arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction. † (Greene 306) The result of the Civil war was the emancipation of the slaves and the abolition of all forms of slavery. The effect, however, is arguable as many cite that the abolition of slavery in itself is a major achievement but more authoritative sources state that it did not totally remove the racism that was to follow (Greene 306). The effects of the Civil War were more local as opposed to the American Revolution. Which One Had a Greater Impact? After reading a number of sources and understanding the situation of the war, I feel that the American Revolution was the biggest achievement for the country and it had a greater impact on the country as well as the world (Greene 309). Even though slavery was also to be eliminated, there was a need for the country to include all the individuals into the decision making of the government. There was a need to provide the individuals with the freedom of speech as well as thought so that they can think the best for themselves. Another effect is that the end of the British Rule over the Americans led a wave of self-determination across the world and showed the other colonized countries that they too could fight for their independence (Greene 310).The Civil War had no such effect on slavery as slavery continued to occur in other parts of the world such as the African Continent. References Blanco, Richard. The American Revolution: An Encyclopedia 2 vol (1993), 1850 pages Greene, Jack P. and J. R. Pole, eds. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of the American Revolution (1994), 845pp; emphasis on political ideas; revised edition (2004) titled A Companion to the American Revolution Online Sources Wikipedia. (2007). American Revolution. Retrieved on April 26, 2007 from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/American_RevolutionWikipedia. (2007). American Civil War. Retrieved on April 26, 2007 from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/American_Civil_War In Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution, McPherson claims that the Civil War brought about a much more radical change in government than the revolution of 1776. Find sources from this period that would support or challenge this statement. Look closely at the ways the decision to enter the Civil War tested the Constitution and the national sense of unity. Do you believe the country was strengthened or weakened by the Civil War?