President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. The Civil War introduced new military technologies and tactics, including rifled muskets, repeating firearms, ironclad warships, and trench warfare.

While women were not allowed to serve as soldiers, many disguised themselves as men and fought in the war. Others contributed by working as nurses, spies, and in various support roles. Some women even took up arms to defend their homes and communities.

The Civil War had a profound economic impact on the United States. In addition to the human cost, the war's total cost, including direct and indirect expenses, was estimated to be around $6.6 billion, a staggering sum at the time.