Final answer:
After the Civil War, the United States' understanding of itself changed as its sense of national identity and the strength of the national government grew stronger.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the Civil War, the United States underwent significant changes in its understanding of itself.
One major change was that its sense of national identity grew stronger. The Civil War had tested the strength and unity of the United States, and following the war, there was a stronger sense of being one nation. This was partially due to the Union victory and the abolition of slavery, which reinforced the idea of a unified nation.
Additionally, the national government became stronger. The war had led to an expanded role for the federal government, including the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which granted rights to formerly enslaved people. This expansion of federal power contributed to a stronger national identity.
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