Final answer:
The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Union (northern states) and the Confederacy (southern states), primarily over the issue of slavery.
Over 350 military engagements occurred, predominantly in the southern states. The Union ultimately triumphed, leading to the destruction of the Confederacy and substantial changes in the nation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Civil War began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861, and officially concluded at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, on April 9, 1865. During these four years, the Union (northern states) fought against the Confederacy (southern states), mainly over the issue of slavery.
The war consisted of over 350 military engagements, most of which occurred in the southern states. Both the Union and the Confederacy grappled with challenges such as conscription, financing the war, inflation, and racial tension.
The conflict also featured divisions within political parties and disagreements between each region's president and their constituents. The initial enthusiasm for war on both sides quickly turned into a lengthy and devastating struggle.
By the end of the war, the Union had prevailed, ensuring the survival of the United States and marking the end of the Confederacy. The cost was high, with much of the South left in ruins, including the Confederate capital, Richmond. The war transformed the nation and set the stage for Reconstruction and the ongoing battle for civil rights.