Final answer:
The Union won the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. Despite challenges, they leveraged their superior resources and manpower to overcome the Confederacy and reunite the country.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Civil War was a pivotal conflict in United States history, fought between the Union forces of the northern states and the Confederate states of the South from 1861 to 1865. The war began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, in April 1861, and concluded with the surrender of the Confederate army at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, in April 1865.
Both sides entered the conflict with the expectation of a swift victory, driven by their faith in their causes and their perception of having unique advantages. However, the reality of the Civil War was far from these initial expectations. Despite early challenges, the Union, with its superior resources, larger population, and extensive industrial base, eventually overcame the Confederates. The Union had to fight on unfamiliar territory and establish long supply lines, while the Confederacy could defend more easily. Nevertheless, the Union victory was secured through a combination of military strategy and leadership, leveraging their advantages in manpower and material to overpower the well-positioned Confederate defenses.
Ultimately, after enduring four years of intense and bloody conflict, the Union emerged victorious, reuniting the country and leading to the abolition of slavery. The victory of the Union forces over the Confederacy is an established historical fact, and the contributions and experiences of all those who fought, including African Americans, have become a critical part of the Civil War narrative.