One of the most important wars in American history was the Civil War, it lead to change in beliefs and conviction in our borders. Fought from 1861 to 1865 many constitutional and social developments had to occur for our country to truly be free for everyone. Elections, conspiracies, assassinations, all to bring unity between the North and the South but also leading to a revolution. It pushed the South to rethink their belief that slavery is right and the Union to fight for the freedom that goes with being an American to all races. After signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 the Southerners still wanted slavery, by using black codes their purpose was to guarantee a stable labor supply. An even crueler method used by sharecroppers forced blacks to use land in exchange for giving a percent of crop to the owner of the land. Lincoln thought differently and provided the Homestead Act which gave 160 acres but also hope for freedmen. "We therefore look to you in this trying hour as a true friend" (Document E), shows how our first Republican president has changed how people view one another. …show more content…
This radical abolitionist stirred the people but not enough to end slavery, there had to be bigger change. The 13th amendment abolished slavery, 14th made all people born in the U.S. citizens, and the 15th gave the blacks the right to vote, these Constitutional changes brought unity. Like in the picture of the black man submitted the first vote shows a big social change, also the wealthy way in which he is dressed shows he is a "self-made man." Also going along with Document D male suffrage is exactly what the 15th Amendment covers. Lincoln has done a lot in his presidency to change things for blacks but it does not go without having