The Civil War began on April 12,1861. The Civil War was between the Southern States, who were trying to keep slavery, and the Northern States, who were trying to end slavery. Not all southerners supported slavery, so they fought for the North, and not all the northerners supported the war against the South. The main reason for the war was the slavery. Both states rights and economics were ultimately related to that. Confederacy was fighting for the right to rule its own destiny, to control its own policies. The state right with which the Confederacy was most concerned was the right to maintain slavery. The Southern economy needed slavery to survive. For the North, reason for fighting the war was the secession of Southern states from the American Union and the desire to preserve the Union. Many men died during the war.
The first major battle of the Civil war was fought for the control of Richmond and was known as the first battle of Bull Run. Neither side was prepared yet so that battle was difficult for both sides. The Union officers had no experience handling such large armies, and the Union soldiers had no experience marching very long distance. During this battle both sides were confused. Some Confederate soldiers were sure they lost until they so the Union soldiers running. Both of the sides saw that the war is not going to be easy for both sides. During this battle the Union forces lost 2,900 men and the Confederates lost 2,000.
Large battle of Gettysburg happened on July1, 1863. It took place in a small Pennsylvania town. This battle was the only major battle that was fought in the North and it lasted for three days. First Confederate troops forced Union back and lost a lot of people. After that Confederates attacked the Union but every attack they made didn't work. Finally Lee's army attacked the Union center. The attack was called "Pickett's Charge". More then half of the men died on the charge.