The Civil War

For four years, between 1861 and 1865, the United States engaged in a civil war.  This war is one of the most tragic events in the history of our great country.  The United States is still in her infancy.  As the country expands in size, many travel west into new territory.  This idea of Manifest Destiny contributed to the spark of the Civil War over the issues of slavery and states' rights.  While balance is to be maintained, tensions rise, leading to a war where over 600,000 freely gave their lives to fight for a cause they so dearly believed in.  It is because of these brave men, women, and children Lincoln remarked, "...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."