Who were the two main opposing sides in the American Civil War?

The two main opposing sides in the American Civil War were the Union and the Confederacy. The Union, also known as the North, was composed of states that remained loyal to the federal government and opposed the secession of the Southern states. These states were committed to preserving the United States and maintaining the integrity of the nation.

The Confederacy, on the other hand, was formed by the Southern states that seceded from the Union. These states sought to establish their own government, primarily driven by the preservation of slavery and states' rights. The clash between these two sides over critical issues such as slavery, economic differences, and political power ultimately led to a brutal conflict from 1861 to 1865, which reshaped the American landscape. Understanding this division is crucial for grasping the causes and consequences of the Civil War and the fundamental shifts in American society that followed.