April 9, 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the
infamous surrender of General Robert E Lee and the Confederate Army to General
Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army bringing an end to the American Civil
War.
The American Civil War was the most deadly war ever fought
by the United States. After 4 years of
fighting, approximately 2% of our population had lost their lives. That is the equivalent to the entire
population of Chicago in terms of today’s population.
It was the beginning of modern warfare. In addition to new weapons making it easier
to eliminate your enemy, we also made significant progress providing medical
care in the field of battle and addressing the sanitation of camps. Of the 620,000 fatalities of the Civil War,
more than 66% died of disease. By the
end of the war, the US Sanitation Commission reduced the disease rates by
50%.
The Civil War redefined the United States and forever
altered the ideas of freedom and liberty in our country. At the conclusion of the war, more than 4
million slaves were freed. In addition
to the physical wounds and rebuilding the structures damaged and destroyed
during the war, the country needed to redefine its culture and views of
humanity. There is evidence today that
we are still a work in progress.
What do you know about the Civil War? Knowing what we know today, was the Civil War
worth the cost, or was there another way?
How should the Civil War be remembered, something to be celebrated or a
source of embarrassment?
The Civil War was about the southern part of the U.S.A. (the Confederates) wanting to keep slaves so they could keep slaves working on their plantations, and the northern part of the U.S.A. (the Union) wanting to free the slaves. Then, the bloodiest battle in American history ensued. The Union won, but not before hundreds of thousands of men died, mostly from infection and disease. And even 150 years after the war, there is still progress to be made.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know whether or not the Civil War was worth so many lives. It gave the African Americans the hope that they might be treated justly one day. Without hope, you have nothing, that means that hope is priceless, but, on the other hand, so is life. I don't think that there was any other way that the people 150 years ago could have changed things like the Civil War did. The Civil War may not have stopped anything, but it did start the ripples of the equal rights for blacks. After this war, people began speaking out about slavery and that discrimination should be stopped. The Civil War was inspiring to many people and still is today.
The Civil War should be remembered as both something to be celebrated and as an embarrassment. We should celebrate it because it was a turning point in history when we finally started fighting for equal rights for blacks, as we still do today. It reminds us that we are making progress in the fight for rights. It should also be an embarrassment to us because we used to treat people like that. We treated them as if they were less than us, not humans, but property. The Civil War needed to happen that first time to get the revolution started, but we, hopefully, have learned from our mistakes and will not have such a terrible, gory war ever again. As George Santayana says,"Those who can not remember their past are condemned to repeat it." Let's hope we all can remember our past, if not, we might just have another Civil War, this one even worse than the last.
The civil war was when the southern states wanted to keep slaves but the north wanted to abolish slavery. This disagreement was so large that it broke into war. The south (confederates) fought to keep their slaves. It was a bloody battle. In the end 2% of our population died fighting, which is equivalent to the population of Chicago on today's standards. 66% of this 2% died of disease. The union (north) won. The war had lasted for four years. At the conclusion of the war 4 million slaves were freed. During the war they had developed new weapons that made it easier to kill your enemy.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the fight for freedom needed to result in war. I am not saying that freeing the slaves was not worth the fight, it was I just think that there could have been a better way to get to that conclusion. There could have been a better way but sadly we were too slow to find it and so when the north finally took action and relized that slavery had to stop the south was way too dependent on them and would not give them up easy. The civil war is something to celebrate and something of embarrasment. We celebrate because the war is over and the slaves are free, but we should be embarrassed because of how the country just split in two and decided on war instead of reaching a more reasonable solution. The civil war was a turning point in our history and is and important part of history too. It has helped us become the great nation that we are today. We need to remember the past and learn from it so that we do not repeat it!!!
The civil war was a war between the south or confideres and the north or union. The south wanted to keep slaves and the north was fighting for their freemdom. I think that it is rediclous that a counrty went to war with its elf and killed its own people. It is an embaressment. In the end the North won and slaves where freed. But the civil war is something we should never repeat. A country shouldn't be killing their own men. In the end it was a good cause though, becuse four million slaves where freed.
ReplyDeleteThe civil war was when the southern states wanted to keep slaves but the north thought it was against human rights that every one is equal. During the war a lot of slaves were free. Then it ended when president Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Then all slaves were freed and slavery was abolished. Right now I think that the civil war was worth the cost because the south wasn't giving up and I don't think they were going to. I think that the civil war should be remembered as our country almost splitting apart then coming together to solve a problem. This is known of our country getting over a problem and becoming who we are.
ReplyDeleteThe civil war was about when people were forcing slaves to do there work for them. They didnt have freedom they had to do what ever the owners told them to do. So the slaves fought for there freedom. They deserved freedom. They deserve it because everyone should be treated the same.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil War was about trying to keep slavery and getting rid of it. The North were the Union soldiers and they wore blue uniforms. The north didn't want slavery anymore. The South were the Confederate soldiers and they wore gray uniforms. They wanted to keep slavery and use slaves to do their work. I know that it was a very bloody war and that a lot of people died from it. I think that we could have found another way to get equal rights for blacks. I think we should have stopped it peacefully because usually war is not a good answer to a problem. But I also think that what we did was very important for blacks and history. Who know's how long blacks wouldn't be treated right if we didn't fight in the Civil War. I also think that it is a symbol to our nation of our unity and courage. I think that the Civil War should be remembered as a celebration. It means so much to our country. The Civil War made millions of black lives better. We were strong and we never lost hope to help slaves.
ReplyDeleteThe civil war was mostly about stopping slavery and freeing slaves. I know that the civil war was a huge battle with the North against the South. The north won, but with many deaths. I believe they should have tried to solve their disagreements in a less bloodier way. However, maybe that was the only choice they had. I do think that it was a bad choice for half of America to be against the other half. I think the civil war should be remembered as a celebration of freedom. But on the other hand it was a huge embarrassment with America going against America. All in all, the north won against the south and gave the slaves freedom. But at a huge cost.
ReplyDeleteThe civil war was when the North(the union) and the South(the confederates) went to war about abolishing slaves. The south wanted to keep their slaves because they helped the owners with important work and they needed them to work on their plantations or farms, so they wouldn't lose it. But, the north on the other hand, wanted to abolish slavery, because they knew it was wrong, and wanted the black people to have equal rights and freedom just as the whites did. Instead of making an agreeable comprimise with each other, they decided to go to war. The union(north) ended up winning the war, but as a result of the horrific war, hundreds of thousands of men died trying to win.
ReplyDeleteI don't really think the civil war was worth the cost. They could have just reached an agreeable comprimise, so they would both be happy. But instead, they decide to go to war, which ends up killing 2% of our population. But, I do also think it was worth it at the same time. Because the Union won, we no longer have slavery, and every one is equal. Although we lost so many men, it helped slavery go away, and we don't really have many incidents about equal rights anymore.
I think the civil war should be remembered and be celebrated, as well as be a source of embarrasment. We accomplished so much to abolish slavery from our country. After losing so many men in battle as well, we need to honor them for being brave and couragous people to go out there and fight, even though they knew they would probably die. Honoring those men, and our accomplishment in battle, would remind us that we are all family, since most of us experienced loss during the war. But, this is also a source of embarrasment, because we had so many slaves. Instead of treating them as humans, we treated them like they were property, and owning them was a great accomplishment. We should be very ashamed at how we treated those people. Like they were just pieses of property that we owned for money. We treated them horribly like they had no purpose on earth whatsoever.
The civil war was a war between the north and south about slavery. The North thought that slavery was evil and the south thought it was good because it helped their Econemy. This lead to a war and the south wanted to become a separate country. The north eventually won but not without cost, both sides combined lost hundreds of thousands of men. I think the civil war could have been avoided even if it ment the south leaving, 400,000 people is two much. I think all war is bad and can be avoided. We could have blockaded all cotton shippmrnts and crippled the economy of the south. It should be remembered with respect but not celebrated.
ReplyDeleteThe war was all because the north wanted to abolish slavery when the south didn't. The two parts of USA, north and south, wanted to split the country and so the USA basically had a war with the USA. That's what a civil war is. This war was very costly. So many people died. If they would have fought like we do today instead of lining up and at the count of 3 running and shooting at each other, it would have been a lot better. Not nearly as many people would have died. Its kind of odd to celebrate people killing each other. We shouldn't throw parties and be all happy about a war. We should remember the fallen ones and be solemn about it.
ReplyDeleteThe Civial war was about slavery, and trying to get rid of it. The Southern part of the U.S.A wanted to keep slaves, so they could work for them on their plantations, but the North wanted to end slavery. The North knew it was wrong and wanted to free the slaves and let the black people have equel rights. I know that the Civial war was very bloody, and there where a lot a lot of deaths. The North ended up winning, but with a result of lots of deaths. I think that everybody should be treated equal, just as the North thought. I dont think that the Civial war was worth the cost. I am not saying that I am against slavery or anything but I just was not. The North and South could of just talked it out and reached a agreement. I dont think that war was a good solution, ecspecially because approximately 2% of our population had lost their lives. But I also think that was the North did was a very reasonable, they had a right to end slavery. I think this helped us a lot, I mean if the Civial war never happend then would slavery ever been ended? I think the Civial war symbolizes freedom, and that it was a good thing the North stood up.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know anything about the civil war. but I don't think it was nececcary because i was just a waist of money. I think we should celebrate it because it reminds us of all the people who faught for us and risked there lives for us.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil war was about slavery. North wanted to free the slaves in the south. But of course the South didn't agree to that. You see in the South there were slaves who were treated very poorly. So war broke out it was bloody like a normal war. When they were still in war President Lincoln put a sigh in the south. It said" All Slaves are Free." But why should we treat the African American so differently then us. They just have different skin color then we do. Finally South surrendered to the North. I am against slavery. I also think that North was very brave to fight for the slaves freedom. They could just let the South be very rude to them and mean. I think that the Civil war represent freedom to the Slaves and all those who are African American. That the North and President Lincoln care about them. Also for those soldiers who gave up their lives in order to give the slaves their freedom back. That now the African Americans can now be apart of us. Also to be equal. Seeing that we don't care about what their skin color is.But seeing that we judged on how they are kind or mean. I just think that if we didn't stand up for the slaves would there still be slavery? I don't know but all I can say is I am happy that there was.
ReplyDeleteWhat I know about the civil war was that it was about freeing the slaves in slavery. The South part of United states wanted to keep it slavery, but North wanted to free the slaves to live their normal lives. I actually think this war was worth the cost because with out this civil war I don't think we would be in this place right now. I think their would still be a little drama going on between it in the United States. But anyways, yes for sure we should celebrate it because millions of people died of trying to get rid of slavery. We want to appreciate those people who had to suffer for our country like this and risk their lives. That's the best way to do it!
ReplyDeleteThe Civil War was a treacherous war. It was a big embarrassment. A country fighting itself. Really? It was a big waste of money and lives. President Lincoln should have made negotiations. Maybe by giving the slave owners the money their slaves cost in return for letting the slaves go. Even though the war was an embarrassment we should still honor the people who gave up their lives in order to grant other people their rights. I think we really could have found another way around the war. It was also amazing to see that the slaves fought with the Union trying to gain their own freedom. I think it was shameful that the South treated people based on their skin color. How would they have felt if they were treated like that. So it kind of makes no sense. I wish that our county could have found a solution without any war.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil War was a battle between the Union, up in the Northern part of the United States, and the Confederates, in the more southern part of the Unites States. The Union, hated the thought of slavery. The Confederates, loved the thought of slavery only because they didn't have to do any work on their plantations. They would work the slaves to their deaths. The North hated the thought of this, so did the president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. So then the war began... The first shots were fired in the year of 1861. The south outnumbered the north be a long shot. But this didn't keep the Confederates from giving up. In the end the Confederated did end up winning because if they hadn't our country would be a whole lot worse then it is today. I think we did a pretty good job stopping slavery but it's sad that we lost so many people. But what can you do? I think we should think of the Civil War as a sign of brining good out of something that was horrible. But it didn't end there. The south was still very furious. Then, one night, Abraham Lincoln was at the theatre watching a play with his wife. But then, John Wiliker Booth shot him. And on his way out he stabbed many others so he wouldn't be caught. He was caught but is still alive to this day. Lincoln later died in the hospital. But we should still think of the Civil War as a sign of freedom to slaves. Our country wouldn't be as successful or happy as we are today. So we should remember those in the war and thank them for dedicating their lives for us.
ReplyDeleteThe civil war was a war between the northern and southern part of the U.S. The north was fighting to free slaves while the south waned to very much keep it. The war was pretty long and many lost their lives. In the end the north won gaining slaves independence. I think the war was worth it. Even though many lost their lives many were freed and saved from slavery. If the U.S. was still like this there would be much more death from slave work and the country would be unfair.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil War was basically a political disagreement between the Republicans (the Union) and the Democrats (the Confederacy). The southern democrats said that they wanted each state to be able to choose whether it could have slaves or not (this being their way of fighting for slavery) and if the union said no then they would become their own country. The northern republicans said that there should be no slaves-EVER and also believed in one United States of America. So, the Confederates insisted on being their own country and so the union attacked.
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, you could look at this as being worth the cost. We abolished slavery and prevented the craziness and the stupidity of having two countries. But on the other hand, this war wasn't really worth it either. We lost 2% of our population on an albeit serious topic, but one that probably could've been solved by something as simple as a vote.
I'm also conflicted on whether we should celebrate the Civil War or not. Yes, we won rights for the blacks and didn't have our country split in two, but like I already said, was it really worth it?..................I honestly don't know.
the civil was a disagreement between the north and the south. the north wanted no slaves, and the south wanted slaves. they didn't agree till the war was over. today, the battle would have still been devastating to us it would not be as costly. we have more people then before so we would still be fine. But that is not the way we should have gone. I guess it could be both, celebrate that we abolished slavery. we could be embarrassed that we had to lose some many people in a war against each other.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the most deadliest wars. It had brother against brother. The South didn't want to give up their life stile of slavery while the already changed North wanted gone. I think their might of been another like the owners in the south freeing the slaves. I mean most of them would have stayed and worked for pay of their former owner. Which isn't much different to what happened to the slaves after the war ended. I think it should be something to celebrate
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I do not know a lot about the civil was except for it was a war in America and it was against the south who believed in slavery and the North who were against slavery. The soldiers died from both being killed by the opposing side and from disease and infection. The North ended up winning. I think America could have decided it by discussing the problem and finding a reasonable answer, but if the south won in that discussion the USA might still have slavery. I think that it should be celebrated and because we live in a USA with no slavery, but also a lot of people died in the war. I think the Civil war was gruesome and a fight for true freedom.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil War was a war between the North and South part of the United States. The North was against slavery and the South was pro slavery. Many people died in the war equivalent to the population of Chicago today. I do not think the Civil War was worth what the country went through. Many people died and risked their lives for the sake of the country, people still do that today. I think the Civil War is part of our history and that is never going to change and our country is they way it is now because of historical events like this. The war could have not happened if everyone would have talked it out. But without the war our country wouldn't be the way our country is now. I think the war should be celebrated because the people that lived in the North stood up for the black people.
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ReplyDeleteI know that the Civil War was between the North (believing there should be no more slavery)- also called The Union and the South (wanted the slavery to continue) -also called confideradrat states , they believed that each state could vote on it individually instead being over rulled by goverment. They would work slaves to death and suffering etc. The North did not agree with these terms so the United States' president took it into his hands and the war began in the year 1861. The South knew defeating the North would not be an easy thing but this did not stop them from trying. Later, the Union won.
ReplyDeleteI think the big disagreement could have been settled a diffrent way but i think the best way was the way it happened just so it would i guess quiet them. I think the Civil war could be seen as an embarrasment, considering the United States was just going at eachother risking the lives of others leading to many deaths. Also, the war could have been seen as a good thing, because today there is no longer slaves!
i didn't really know anything until after i read that but. I think that there was probably another way than fighting because loosing 2% of the us might not seem like a lot of people but that is the population of Chicago today. I think it shouldn't be remember because it is war but since the north one and made the us how it is today we should remember it by praying not just for the north but by praying for the south to because it was not there fault they thought slavey was right.
ReplyDeleteI know that the Civil War was about freeing slaves and wanting to keep slaves. I'm not really sure that the Civil War was worth the cost. I mean after all it was very bloody and it killed many people. Although, we did abolish slavery and that is great! So therefore I think we should celebrate, right! We helped so many people that did not deserve anything that anybody did to them. We should remember the Civil War.
ReplyDeleteI don't know a whole lot about the civil war and I think that the blog helped. For me the entire fight seems to be a fight over men owning other men, but we could have avoided the issue had we not taken these people from their homes and forced them into labor. I don't think that losing 2 % of our population was a good thing but I do think that the war helped the country establish boundaries of what we can and can not do. The way we fought over this issue is embarrassing and if I were in charge of any records of the war, I would shred them so that the blood shed will never have to be remembered.
ReplyDeleteI think the civil war had its purpose but it could have been avoided if we had just been a little more careful about how we treat each other and I think that for all those people to lose their lives because we made some poor choices was stupid but I do think that we should remember why this happened so we do not respect it.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil war was about freeing slaves and wanting to keep slaves. It definitely was not worth 2% of our population and we should've been more careful. I think we should remember it because we should never have a war again.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know about the civil war is that the North is Union which wanted the US to be united with the South and slaves to be freed. The South was the Confederacy and they were butts, they wanted black people to continue to be slaves under them. They actually thought that African Americans weren't real people, that is sooooooo ridiculous. To me, it all would have been a lot easier and simpler if we saw everybody equal and AS ACTUAL PEOPLE. But, we're humans and we do stupid stuff, so we decide to enslave a race. I think The Civil War was definitely worth it because you can't put a price on freedom and freedom isn't free so someone had to sacrifice them selves for the greater good and that happened to be the Brave soldiers of the Union who lost their lives. I think for all you racists out there, The Civil War should be an embarrassing reminder of how stupid you seem. For all the Abolishers out there, I appluad you for trying to make humanity a not so incredibly messed up things. I want everyone to know that if you are a living thing you deserve respect, the same amount your white friends do.
ReplyDeleteSome things I know is the the south did not like the east,and that all used slaves to work on their farms.When in a war losing 2% of the whole population might not sound like a lot but it is. When you don't get what you want you don't have to make a very deadly battle when you could of resolved it.Like an embarrassment because stay were fighting over a weird thing like that.
ReplyDeleteAll I pretty much know about the Civil War is that millions of inicent people died. I think there could have been another way to discuss the problem instead of starting war. I think it should be something celebrated because we should be proud of what we believe. If that means that we have to start war over it, that is what we will just have to do.
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