To What Extent Was The American Union A Turning Point For The Civil War

Tessa Daley Beilein History 130 25 April 2024 Union Victory in the Civil War: Strategy, Emancipation, and Surrender The Civil War was a conflict that reshaped the United States and was represented by brutal battles, strategic advancements, and both social and political consequences. Initially, the Union, with its greater industrial capabilities and larger population, struggled to translate these advantages into early military success. The war's early years highlighted this struggle, with battles often characterized by traditional military tactics and the Anaconda Plan aimed at cutting off the Confederates’ resources, along with cutting it off economically. However, the true turning point in the Union’s approach came after the summer of 1863,

This shift was not only a matter of military tactics but was also deeply intertwined with the Union's commitment to abolishing slavery, as evidenced by the Emancipation Proclamation and the enlistment of African American soldiers. These elements combined to wear away the Confederate will and structure, leading to the decisive surrender at Appomattox. Films like Lincoln and Free State of Jones demonstrate these dynamics, showing how political tactics and foundational struggles contributed to the broader war efforts and societal changes. Ultimately, the Civil War was more than a military conflict; it was a pivotal moment that redefined the nation's moral and political landscapes, setting an example for how deeply intertwined military success and socio-political progress can be in shaping national destiny. This approach, combining relentless military pressure with advanced social policies, restored the Union and redefined its values and future

Yet, the promise of peace and unity was far from realized in the following years. Instead, the white South engaged in a persistent resistance to the outcomes of the war, particularly to the radical changes incorporated in Reconstruction. The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, saw the application of federal policies aimed at rebuilding and reforming the South, with focus on securing rights for newly freed African Americans. However, these changes were met with stiff resistance from many white Southerners who wanted to maintain pre-war racial rankings and economic structures. Political resistance manifested through intense opposition to Reconstruction governments and the establishment of restrictive "Black Codes" designed to restrict the lives of African Americans and ensure a submissive labor force. The film Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg, powerfully illustrates the political challenges faced during this period, focusing particularly on the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Through intense political scheming depicted in the film, it becomes evident how combative and fragile the process of changing the foundational laws of the United States was, among widespread Southern