Answer:
The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a transformative period in the history of the United States, and the ideas about emancipation underwent significant changes during this time. Prior to the war, the issue of slavery in the American South was a contentious issue, with some advocating for its abolition and others defending it as a necessary aspect of the Southern economy.
However, as the war progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Union's victory was inextricably linked to the abolition of slavery. President Abraham Lincoln, who was initially not in favor of abolition, came to embrace the idea as a wartime necessity. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free. This was a major turning point in the war and marked the first time that freedom for slaves was officially endorsed by the federal government.
After the war, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, which abolished slavery throughout the entire country. Despite this, the journey towards equality for African Americans was far from over and the nation continued to struggle with issues of racial inequality for decades to come.
In conclusion, the change in ideas about emancipation during the Civil War was substantial, as the war marked the first time the federal government officially endorsed freedom for slaves and the eventual abolition of slavery throughout the nation.