The American Civil War was fought between the Northern and Southern states between 1861 and 1865. It is thought to be one of the most destructive events in American history, costing more than 600,000 lives. Today as you read about the causes of the war, slavery is given as the main and almost sole reason for the conflict. This is certainly not the case. One example would be the statement in the Congressional Record of United States where it documents the war was not fought to abolish slavery. On July 23rd, 1861 the United States congress unanimously passed the following: "The War is waged by the government of the U.S. not in the spirit of conquest or subjugation, nor for the purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or institutions of the states [such as the institution of slavery], but to defend and protect the Union" …show more content…
Although, the Missouri Compromise and the discussion of the future of slavery could have brought this to a head. The topic of the war between the states and the meaning of the Confederate battle flag has interested me ever since I was in elementary school. My father is a Confederate reenactor who has participated in many events relating to the war. Much of my previous knowledge about both these subjects come from him. Due to the many controversial and negative issues going on in today 's society relating both the war and flag, I have decided to research the main cause of the bloodshed and the true meaning of the Confederate battle flag. As of today, society has come up with the