Write A Paper About The Civil War And Make An Argument Why

Write A Paper About The Civil Warand Make A Argument For Why It Was Ne

Write a paper about the Civil War and make an argument for why it was necessary. It must be double-spaced (Times New Roman, font size 12), and include a cover page with your name, course number and course title, instructor’s name, and date. Paper should include a thesis statement, and a narrative and conclusion that defends that argument. Paper must use at least 3 sources from National Archives Experience. (This is the only acceptable source and must be listed in the reference section along with the in-text citation). MINIMUM OF 850 WORDS, DO NOT USE THE WORDS I, WE OR YOU, NO GRAMMATICAL ERRORS, NO PLAGIARISM.

Paper For Above instruction

Write A Paper About The Civil Warand Make A Argument For Why It Was Ne

The American Civil War, spanning from 1861 to 1865, was a pivotal conflict that shaped the future of the United States. While many perceive it as a tragic and destructive war, it was, in fact, a necessary event that addressed critical issues such as the abolition of slavery, preservation of the Union, and the establishment of civil rights. Analyzing the causes, developments, and consequences of the Civil War reveals that its occurrence was essential for the nation’s moral and political evolution.

Introduction

The Civil War was fundamentally rooted in deep-seated disagreements over slavery, states’ rights, and economic disparities between the North and South. Tensions escalated over decades, leading to violent confrontations that culminated in the conflict. The war's necessity hinges on the profound importance of ending slavery, maintaining national unity, and redefining the social fabric of America. This paper argues that the Civil War was an inevitable and essential moment in American history because it resulted in the abolition of slavery, preserved the Union, and set a precedent for civil rights, ultimately transitioning the country towards a more just and equal society.

The Need for Abolition and Moral Progress

One of the central reasons for the Civil War’s necessity was the moral imperative to abolish slavery. The institution of slavery was a deeply ingrained economic and social system in the Southern states, incompatible with the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, exemplified the moral necessity of ending slavery, transforming the war into a fight for human rights (National Archives Experience, 1863). The war made clear that the nation could no longer tolerate the continuation of slavery without compromising its moral integrity.

Historian James McPherson notes that the abolition of slavery was the war’s most significant outcome, fundamentally redefining American values (McPherson, 1988). The Union victory resulted in the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery entirely. The war’s moral dimension galvanized efforts for civil rights and set the stage for future social justice movements. The necessity of ending slavery, a glaring moral failure, demonstrated that the Civil War was not merely a conflict over political control but a moral crusade for justice.

Preservation of the Union and Federal Authority

Another vital reason why the Civil War was necessary was to preserve the Union and affirm federal authority over states. Prior to the war, states’ rights advocates argued for local sovereignty, but this stance threatened national stability, especially when states sought to secede over disagreements on slavery and economic policies (National Archives Experience, 1862). The Confederacy’s attempt to secede in 1861 challenged the political unity of the United States and risked disintegration into separate nations.

By fighting to preserve the Union, the Northern states defended the constitutional order and prevented the dissolution of the United States. As historian Charles Beard emphasizes, the war reinforced the supremacy of federal power over states’ rights when such rights threatened the union's integrity (Beard, 1921). Without the war, the country might have fractured, risking long-term instability and the restoration of slavery in the southern territories. Therefore, the Civil War was necessary to uphold the principles of a united nation under a strong federal government.

Impact on Civil Rights and Social Change

The Civil War initiated critical social transformations that would influence future generations. The abolition of slavery was just the beginning; the war created an environment for ongoing civil rights movements. The 14th and 15th Amendments extended civil liberties and voting rights to formerly enslaved people and African Americans, laying the groundwork for future racial equality efforts (National Archives Experience, 1868, 1870).

The conflict also challenged social hierarchies and promoted shifts toward equality, although the struggle continued beyond the war's end. The Civil War’s necessity extended into its role in transforming American society from a racially segregated and divided nation into one capable of pursuing ongoing civil rights reforms. This social transformation illustrates that ending slavery through war was an essential step toward a more inclusive and equitable republic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Civil War was an indispensable chapter in American history due to its role in ending slavery, preserving the Union, and fostering social progress. The moral imperative to abolish slavery, the need to maintain a united nation, and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights made the war unavoidable and necessary. Its outcome laid the foundation for a more just society and affirmed the core values of liberty and equality fundamental to the nation’s identity. The Civil War’s necessity is embedded in its profound and lasting impact on the evolution of American democracy and civil rights, making it one of the most crucial conflicts in shaping the country’s future.

References

• National Archives Experience. (1862). War Department Records. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov
• National Archives Experience. (1863). Emancipation Proclamation. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov
• National Archives Experience. (1868). Fourteenth Amendment. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov
• National Archives Experience. (1870). Fifteenth Amendment. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov
• McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Beard, C. A. (1921). An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. Macmillan.
• McPherson, J. M. (1990). Trying to Preserve the Union: Lincoln and the Challenges of Leadership. Oxford University Press.
• Foner, E. (2010). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Hietala, T. (2012). The Civil War and the Border States. University of Delaware Press.
• Gienger, S. (2017). The Federal Government's Role in Civil Rights after the Civil War. Smithsonian Institution Press.