What major conflict did the Civil War address?

The Civil War was primarily about the issue of slavery, which was a deeply divisive and contentious topic in the United States during the mid-19th century. The conflict arose as Southern states sought to preserve slavery as an integral part of their agricultural economy and way of life, while Northern states increasingly opposed the institution, viewing it as a moral evil and a violation of human rights. The election of Abraham Lincoln, who was perceived as an opponent of slavery's expansion, led to the secession of several Southern states from the Union, sparking the Civil War.

This struggle over slavery directly influenced many aspects of the conflict, including the military strategies employed by both sides and the social fabric of the nation. The war ultimately resulted in the abolition of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment, fundamentally altering the economic, social, and political landscape of the United States. While other issues, such as states' rights, did play a role in the conflict, they were largely intertwined with the central issue of slavery. Understanding this context helps clarify why slavery is recognized as the major conflict at the heart of the Civil War.