Final answer:
The 'border states' during the American Civil War refer to states that permitted slavery but remained loyal to the Union, and were strategically significant due to their geographical and political position.
Step-by-step explanation:
The border states during the time of the American Civil War held a significant role due to their geographical and political position. The term 'border states' generally referred to those states that allowed slavery but remained loyal to the Union. This option is most accurately described by option C: 'States that allowed slavery but were loyal to the that allowed slavery but were loyal to the union.'
These states, which included Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri, were strategically important because they physically bordered the Union, which was the states that did not allow slavery. Maintaining the loyalty of these states was crucial for the Union as if these states seceded, the Southern Confederate states would have gained a significant advantage both politically and militarily.
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