The Causes of the American Civil War: Trends in Historical Interpretation, 1950-1976

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This thesis examines the trends in historical interpretation concerning the coming of the American Civil War. The main body of works examined were written between 1950 and 1976, beginning with Allan Nevins' Ordeal of the Union and concluding with David M. Potter's The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861. It also includes a brief survey of some works written after 1976. The main source for discovering the materials included were the bibliographies of both monographs and general histories published during and after the period 1950-1976. Also, perusal of the contents and book review sections of scholarly journals, in particular the Journal of Southern … continued below

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Tate, Michael Joseph May 1992.

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People and organizations associated with either the creation of this thesis or its content.

  • Tate, Michael Joseph
  • Hagler, Dorse Harland, 1937- Major professor

Committee Members

  • Kobler, J. F. (Jasper Fred), 1928- Minor professor
  • Smallwood, J. B.
  • Lowe, Richard G.
  • University of North Texas Publisher Info: www.unt.edu Place of Publication: Denton, Texas

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Degree Information

  • Level: Master's
  • Grantor: University of North Texas
  • Department: Department of History
  • Discipline: American History
  • Name: Master of Arts
  • PublicationType: Master's Thesis

This thesis examines the trends in historical interpretation concerning the coming of the American Civil War. The main body of works examined were written between 1950 and 1976, beginning with Allan Nevins' Ordeal of the Union and concluding with David M. Potter's The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861. It also includes a brief survey of some works written after 1976. The main source for discovering the materials included were the bibliographies of both monographs and general histories published during and after the period 1950-1976. Also, perusal of the contents and book review sections of scholarly journals, in particular the Journal of Southern History and Civil War History, was helpful in discovering sources and placing works in a time chronology for the thesis narrative.

  • American Civil War
  • United States history
  • historical interpretation

Library of Congress Subject Headings

  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Causes.
  • Thesis or Dissertation

Unique identifying numbers for this thesis in the Digital Library or other systems.

  • Call Number : 379 N81 no. 6915
  • Accession or Local Control No : 1002778337-Tate
  • UNT Catalog No. : b1762117 | View in Discover
  • OCLC : 30656492
  • Archival Resource Key : ark:/67531/metadc500242

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  • {1861..1865,1950..1976}

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  • Denton, Texas ( University of North Texas )

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Tate, Michael Joseph. The Causes of the American Civil War: Trends in Historical Interpretation, 1950-1976 , thesis , May 1992; Denton, Texas . ( https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc500242/ : accessed November 26, 2024 ), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu ; .

UCLA Department of History

Thesis Statements

What is a thesis statement.

Your thesis statement is one of the most important parts of your paper.  It expresses your main argument succinctly and explains why your argument is historically significant.  Think of your thesis as a promise you make to your reader about what your paper will argue.  Then, spend the rest of your paper–each body paragraph–fulfilling that promise.

Your thesis should be between one and three sentences long and is placed at the end of your introduction.  Just because the thesis comes towards the beginning of your paper does not mean you can write it first and then forget about it.  View your thesis as a work in progress while you write your paper.  Once you are satisfied with the overall argument your paper makes, go back to your thesis and see if it captures what you have argued.  If it does not, then revise it.  Crafting a good thesis is one of the most challenging parts of the writing process, so do not expect to perfect it on the first few tries.  Successful writers revise their thesis statements again and again.

A successful thesis statement:

  • makes an historical argument
  • takes a position that requires defending
  • is historically specific
  • is focused and precise
  • answers the question, “so what?”

How to write a thesis statement:

Suppose you are taking an early American history class and your professor has distributed the following essay prompt:

“Historians have debated the American Revolution’s effect on women.  Some argue that the Revolution had a positive effect because it increased women’s authority in the family.  Others argue that it had a negative effect because it excluded women from politics.  Still others argue that the Revolution changed very little for women, as they remained ensconced in the home.  Write a paper in which you pose your own answer to the question of whether the American Revolution had a positive, negative, or limited effect on women.”

Using this prompt, we will look at both weak and strong thesis statements to see how successful thesis statements work.

While this thesis does take a position, it is problematic because it simply restates the prompt.  It needs to be more specific about how  the Revolution had a limited effect on women and  why it mattered that women remained in the home.

Revised Thesis:  The Revolution wrought little political change in the lives of women because they did not gain the right to vote or run for office.  Instead, women remained firmly in the home, just as they had before the war, making their day-to-day lives look much the same.

This revision is an improvement over the first attempt because it states what standards the writer is using to measure change (the right to vote and run for office) and it shows why women remaining in the home serves as evidence of limited change (because their day-to-day lives looked the same before and after the war).  However, it still relies too heavily on the information given in the prompt, simply saying that women remained in the home.  It needs to make an argument about some element of the war’s limited effect on women.  This thesis requires further revision.

Strong Thesis: While the Revolution presented women unprecedented opportunities to participate in protest movements and manage their family’s farms and businesses, it ultimately did not offer lasting political change, excluding women from the right to vote and serve in office.

Few would argue with the idea that war brings upheaval.  Your thesis needs to be debatable:  it needs to make a claim against which someone could argue.  Your job throughout the paper is to provide evidence in support of your own case.  Here is a revised version:

Strong Thesis: The Revolution caused particular upheaval in the lives of women.  With men away at war, women took on full responsibility for running households, farms, and businesses.  As a result of their increased involvement during the war, many women were reluctant to give up their new-found responsibilities after the fighting ended.

Sexism is a vague word that can mean different things in different times and places.  In order to answer the question and make a compelling argument, this thesis needs to explain exactly what  attitudes toward women were in early America, and  how those attitudes negatively affected women in the Revolutionary period.

Strong Thesis: The Revolution had a negative impact on women because of the belief that women lacked the rational faculties of men. In a nation that was to be guided by reasonable republican citizens, women were imagined to have no place in politics and were thus firmly relegated to the home.

This thesis addresses too large of a topic for an undergraduate paper.  The terms “social,” “political,” and “economic” are too broad and vague for the writer to analyze them thoroughly in a limited number of pages.  The thesis might focus on one of those concepts, or it might narrow the emphasis to some specific features of social, political, and economic change.

Strong Thesis: The Revolution paved the way for important political changes for women.  As “Republican Mothers,” women contributed to the polity by raising future citizens and nurturing virtuous husbands.  Consequently, women played a far more important role in the new nation’s politics than they had under British rule.

This thesis is off to a strong start, but it needs to go one step further by telling the reader why changes in these three areas mattered.  How did the lives of women improve because of developments in education, law, and economics?  What were women able to do with these advantages?  Obviously the rest of the paper will answer these questions, but the thesis statement needs to give some indication of why these particular changes mattered.

Strong Thesis: The Revolution had a positive impact on women because it ushered in improvements in female education, legal standing, and economic opportunity.  Progress in these three areas gave women the tools they needed to carve out lives beyond the home, laying the foundation for the cohesive feminist movement that would emerge in the mid-nineteenth century.

Thesis Checklist

When revising your thesis, check it against the following guidelines:

  • Does my thesis make an historical argument?
  • Does my thesis take a position that requires defending?
  • Is my thesis historically specific?
  • Is my thesis focused and precise?
  • Does my thesis answer the question, “so what?”

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american civil war thesis statement

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Letters About the Civil War

Source:  Letters About the Civil War retrieved 4/3/2012 from http://www.civilwarhome.com/letters.htm

What makes a good thesis statement?

The Thesis Statement

A thesis statement identifies a specific part of your writing topic.  The statement declares your unique perspective on the topic.  It gives you the necessary focus and direction to develop your essay.  As your ideas evolve, you may find it necessary to revise your thesis once or twice.  The following informtion will help you write clear, effective thesis statements.

A thesis statement:

  • is usually a single sentence and appears in the opening part of an essay
  • may be based on a feature of the topic or on a particular stand that you want to defend

The Process

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Research Project Ideas

54th Massachusetts Regiment

Abolitionists

Abraham Lincoln

African Americans in the war

Andersonville Prison

Appomattox Court House

Battle of Shiloh

Battle of the Wilderness

Causes of death in the Civil War

Civil War foods

Civil War weapons

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Emancipation Proclamation

Frederick Douglass

George McClellan

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Harriet Tubman

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John Wilkes Booth

Medical Personnel of the Civil War

Medical Practices during the Civil War

Navy's role

Railroads in the war

Robert E. Lee

Rose Greenhow

Slavery in America

Sojourner Truth

Southern plantation life & buying slaves

Stonewall Jackson

Transportation during the Civil War

Ulysses S. Grant

Underground Railroad

William Tecumseh Sherman

Women in the war

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American Civil War - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

The American Civil War, waged from 1861 to 1865, was a seminal event in the United States’ history that stemmed from long-standing regional differences and disputes over slavery. Essays could delve into the political, economic, and social factors that led to the conflict, exploring the disputes between the North and the South regarding states’ rights, slavery, and economic policies. The discourse might extend to the significant battles, military strategies, and the leadership on both sides of the conflict. Discussions could also focus on the Emancipation Proclamation and its implications on the war and the broader struggle for civil rights. Moreover, essays could explore the reconstruction era that followed the war, examining the efforts to reunite the nation, address the legacies of slavery, and establish civil rights for freed slaves. The enduring impact of the American Civil War on the national identity, racial relations, and historical narrative could provide a captivating exploration of this pivotal period in American history. A vast selection of complimentary essay illustrations pertaining to American Civil War you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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  • UMI Dissertation Express You may personally purchase copies of available dissertations from UMI Dissertation Express for $38.00 each PDF, $39 unbound paper, or $56 softcover. The last resort for seeing some theses and dissertations is to visit the library of the issuing institution.

UT-Tyler Masters Theses in History dealing with Civil War era

These theses are available at the Robert R. Muntz Library: Owens, Jeffrey Alan. “The Civil War in Tensas Parish, Louisiana: A Community History.” 1990. F377.T45 O84 1990. Newsom, James Lynn. “Grand Phalanx of Intrepid Infantry: The Seventh Texas, 1861-1865.” 1993. E580.5 7th .N49 1993. Cowan, Terry. “The Stone Movement and “The Christians in the West” in Texas, 1824-1865.” 1994. BX7316 .C69 1994. McIntyre, Stephanie. “Ties that Bind: Railroads, Sectionalism, and the Civil War.” 2004. HE2751 .M35 2004. Roberson, Bea.  "Domestic Ambivalence:  Elite Southern Women and the Institution of Slavery."  2010. E441 .R63 2010.

The following theses are available online: Harvell, Elle.  " Cope, Cooperate, Combat:  Civilian Responses to Union Occupation in Saline County, Missouri, During the Civil War. "  2012. Hughes, Sharon.  " Isaac Merritt Singer:  A Womanizer who Liberated Women. "  2014.

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Civil war essay

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Brief overview of the American Civil War

The American Civil War was a significant event in American history that took place between 1861 and 1865. It was a conflict between the northern states (also known as the Union) and the southern states (also known as the Confederacy) over issues such as slavery and states&#039; rights. The war began in April 1861, when Confederate forces fired on the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This event marked the start of the war, which lasted for four years and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians. The Union ultimately emerged victorious in the Civil War, and the Confederacy was dissolved. The war had a significant impact on American history, including the abolition of slavery, the reconstruction of the southern states, and the shaping of the country&#039;s political and social landscape.

Thesis statement outlining the main points to be discussed in the essay

One possible thesis statement for an essay on the American Civil War could be: &quot;The American Civil War was a complex and significant event in American history, marked by significant causes, major events and battles, and lasting impacts on the country&#039;s political, social, and economic landscape. This essay will explore these factors in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War and its significance in American history.&quot;

Slavery and states&#039; rights

Slavery and states&#039; rights were two of the main causes of the American Civil War. Slavery was a longstanding issue in the United States, with the institution of slavery dating back to the colonial period. However, by the mid-19th century, the abolition movement had gained significant traction, and there was increasing tension between the northern states, which were largely anti-slavery, and the southern states, which relied heavily on slavery for their economy. In addition to the issue of slavery, states&#039; rights also played a significant role in the lead-up to the Civil War. The southern states believed in a strong system of states&#039; rights, with each state having a high level of autonomy and the ability to make its own decisions. The northern states, on the other hand, believed in a stronger federal government with more power to regulate the states. The combination of these two issues, along with other factors such as sectionalism and economic differences, contributed to the tensions that eventually led to the outbreak of the Civil War.

Sectionalism and economic differences

Sectionalism and economic differences were two additional causes of the American Civil War. Sectionalism refers to the loyalty and identification with one&#039;s own region or section of the country, rather than with the country as a whole. By the mid-19th century, there were significant differences between the northern and southern states in terms of their economies, cultures, and ways of life. The northern states were industrialized, with a strong manufacturing sector and a more diverse economy. The southern states, on the other hand, were largely agrarian, with a strong reliance on agriculture and slave labor. These economic differences contributed to the tensions between the two regions and played a role in the lead-up to the Civil War. In addition to economic differences, there were also significant cultural differences between the northern and southern states. The northern states were more urban and diverse, while the southern states were more rural and homogenous. These cultural differences also contributed to the tensions between the two regions and played a role in the lead-up to the Civil War.

Political differences and the election of Abraham Lincoln

Political differences and the election of Abraham Lincoln were additional causes of the American Civil War. By the mid-19th century, there were significant political differences between the northern and southern states. The northern states were largely Republican, with a focus on a strong federal government and the abolition of slavery. The southern states were largely Democratic, with a focus on states&#039; rights and the protection of slavery. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a significant factor in the lead-up to the Civil War. Lincoln was a Republican candidate who ran on an anti-slavery platform and was strongly opposed by the southern states. His election sparked outrage among many southerners, and several states declared their secession from the Union in response. The subsequent formation of the Confederacy and the outbreak of the Civil War were in large part a result of the political differences between the northern and southern states.

Fort Sumter and the start of the war

Fort Sumter was a Union-held fort located in South Carolina that played a significant role in the start of the American Civil War. In April 1861, Confederate forces fired on the fort, marking the start of the war. The firing on Fort Sumter was the result of a long-standing conflict between the northern and southern states over issues such as slavery and states&#039; rights. The Confederacy had declared its independence

impact of the Civil War is still felt today and serves as a reminder of the cost of conflict and the importance of working towards peace and unity.

Reconstruction and the aftermath of the war

Reconstruction was the period following the American Civil War in which the United States worked to rebuild the southern states and reintegrate them into the Union. Reconstruction began in 1865 and lasted until 1877, and it was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes. One of the main goals of Reconstruction was to reintegrate the southern states into the Union and to rebuild their economies and infrastructure. This involved the establishment of new state governments, the creation of new constitutions, and the implementation of policies to promote economic development. Reconstruction also had a significant impact on race relations in the United States. One of the main goals of Reconstruction was to ensure that African Americans, who had been freed from slavery by the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, had equal rights and opportunities. This involved the implementation of policies such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, which granted African Americans citizenship and the right to vote. Overall, Reconstruction was a significant period in American history that had a lasting impact on the country&#039;s political, social, and economic landscape. It marked the end of the Civil War and the beginning of a new era of rebuilding and reconciliation.

The impact on race relations and the abolition of slavery

The American Civil War had a significant impact on race relations in the United States and played a key role in the abolition of slavery. Slavery was a longstanding institution in the United States, with the first African slaves being brought to the colonies in the early 17th century. Slavery played a significant role in the economy of the southern states and was a major issue leading up to the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all slaves in the Confederacy to be free. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery throughout the United States. These events had a significant impact on race relations in the country and marked a major turning point in American history. However, the abolition of slavery did not immediately lead to equal rights and opportunities for African Americans. Reconstruction, which followed the Civil War, was a period of rebuilding and reintegration in which efforts were made to ensure that African Americans had equal rights and opportunities. However, these efforts were met with resistance, and African Americans continued to face discrimination and segregation for many years after the Civil War. Overall, the impact of the Civil War on race relations in the United States was significant and has had a lasting impact on the country&#039;s social and political landscape. The abolition of slavery marked a major turning point in American history and paved the way for future efforts to promote equality and justice for all citizens.

Recap of the main points discussed in the essay

In this essay, we have discussed the American Civil War, a significant event in American history that took place between 1861 and 1865. The Civil War was a conflict between the northern states (also known as the Union) and the southern states (also known as the Confederacy) over issues such as slavery and states&#039; rights. We explored the causes of the Civil War, including slavery and states&#039; rights, sectionalism and economic differences, and political differences and the election of Abraham Lincoln. We also examined the major events and battles of the Civil War, including the start of the war at Fort Sumter, the Battle of Antietam and the Emancipation Proclamation, and the turning point of the war at Gettysburg. We also discussed the impact of the Civil War, including the loss of life and destruction of property, the period of Reconstruction and the aftermath of the war, and the impact on race relations and the abolition of slavery. Overall, the American Civil War was a complex and significant event in American history that had a lasting impact on the country&#039;s political, social, and economic landscape. It is a key part of American history and serves as a reminder of the cost of conflict and the importance of working towards peace and unity.

The lasting impact of the American Civil War on American history

The American Civil War had a lasting impact on American history and continues to shape the country&#039;s political, social, and economic landscape today. Some of the key ways in which the Civil War has had a lasting impact include:

  • Abolition of slavery: The Civil War played a key role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared all slaves in the Confederacy to be free, and the 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery throughout the United States. The abolition of slavery marked a major turning point in American history and paved the way for future efforts to promote equality and justice for all citizens.
  • Reconstruction: The period of Reconstruction following the Civil War was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes. Reconstruction involved the rebuilding of the southern states and the reintegration of these states into the Union. It also involved efforts to ensure that African Americans, who had been freed from slavery, had equal rights and opportunities. The impact of Reconstruction is still felt today and has had a lasting impact on the country&#039;s political and social landscape.
  • Changes in the economy: The Civil War had a significant impact on the economy of the United States, with many industries and businesses being disrupted or destroyed. The war also led to significant changes in the economy of the southern states, with the abolition of slavery leading to
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Essays on American Civil War

This pivotal event in American history is a goldmine for essay topics, offering a wealth of material to explore and analyze, whether you're a history buff or just looking to boost your grades, writing an essay about the American Civil War is a great way to sharpen your research and writing skills.

Choosing a topic for your American Civil War essay

The possibilities are endless. You could explore the causes and effects of the war, analyze the different perspectives of key figures, or even delve into the impact of the war on American society. Whichever topic you choose, make sure it's something you're passionate about and eager to learn more about.

Argumentative essay topics

If you're considering writing an argumentative essay about the American Civil War, you'll need to take a clear stance on a specific aspect of the war and provide evidence to support your position. Some potential topics for an argumentative essay could include the role of slavery in causing the war, the impact of key battles, or the significance of key figures in the war.

Cause and effect essay topics

For a cause and effect essay, you'll need to examine the reasons behind the war and the consequences that followed. Potential topics could include the economic, social, and political factors that led to the war, as well as the long-term effects on American society and culture.

Opinion essay topics

If you're more interested in expressing your personal opinions and beliefs, an opinion essay on the American Civil War could be the perfect fit. You could explore the moral implications of the war, the legacy of key figures, or the relevance of the war to modern American society.

Informative essay topics

For an informative essay, you'll need to present a comprehensive overview of a specific aspect of the American Civil War. Potential topics could include key events and battles, the impact of the war on different regions, or the experiences of soldiers and civilians.

Examples to inspire your own writing

For a thesis statement, you could consider topics such as "The role of slavery in causing the American Civil War" or "The impact of key battles on the outcome of the war."

In your , you could set the stage for your essay by providing historical context, defining key terms, and outlining the main points you'll be discussing. For example, you could start with a powerful quote from a key figure or a gripping description of a pivotal battle.

When it comes to wrapping up your essay, your should reiterate your main points and leave the reader with a thought-provoking final statement. You could reflect on the broader significance of the war, call for further research, or challenge the reader to consider the implications of your findings.

With these examples in mind, you're well on your way to crafting a captivating and insightful essay about the American Civil War. So grab your pen and paper, and get ready to bring history to life through your writing!

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  1. Civil War Essay

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  2. The American Civil War Essay

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  3. American History: The Civil War (1861-1865)

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  4. 📚 Reasons For American Civil War Essay Sample

    american civil war thesis statement

  5. American History: The Civil War (1861-1865)

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  6. Discussion of the American Civil War

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COMMENTS

  1. Thesis statement and Outline

    Thesis: The civil war was a turning point in U.S. history because · 1.) It ended slavery · 2.) Led to military innovations · 3.) Brought North and South together Paragraph 1 · Grabber: America has got through many hardship that has made our nation to what it is today. · Background: In 1861 the Civil War began in America , North and South America fought over Authority, 6200 of 24 million ...

  2. The Causes of the American Civil War: Trends in Historical

    This thesis examines the trends in historical interpretation concerning the coming of the American Civil War. The main body of works examined were written between 1950 and 1976, beginning with Allan Nevins' Ordeal of the Union and concluding with David M. Potter's The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861. It also includes a brief survey of some works written after 1976. The main source for discovering ...

  3. Thesis Statements

    A successful thesis statement: makes an historical argument; takes a position that requires defending; is historically specific; is focused and precise; answers the question, "so what?" How to write a thesis statement: Suppose you are taking an early American history class and your professor has distributed the following essay prompt:

  4. UWSSLEC LibGuides: Civil War: Writing a Thesis Statement

    The statement declares your unique perspective on the topic. It gives you the necessary focus and direction to develop your essay. As your ideas evolve, you may find it necessary to revise your thesis once or twice. The following informtion will help you write clear, effective thesis statements. A thesis statement:

  5. The Ever-Evolving Historiography of the American Civil War

    The American Civil War documentation is no different in how it created a memory of the events from 1861-1865. Much of the Civil War's historiography focuses ... was certain to occur, and presented an "inevitability thesis." The sectional crisis created significant strife among regions within the United States. This historiography focuses on the ...

  6. American Civil War Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

    The American Civil War Words: 399 Pages: 1 5937. The American Civil War was a battle between the South and the North after a number of states in the south seceded after Lincoln's Presidency. The battle started off as states rights but as the battle went on and advanced the battle was fighting to end slavery.

  7. Research Guides: American Civil War: Theses and Dissertations

    These theses are available at the Robert R. Muntz Library: Owens, Jeffrey Alan. "The Civil War in Tensas Parish, Louisiana: A Community History." 1990. F377.T45 O84 1990. Newsom, James Lynn.

  8. Civil war essay

    One possible thesis statement for an essay on the American Civil War could be: &quot;The American Civil War was a complex and significant event in American history, marked by significant causes, major events and battles, and lasting impacts on the country&#039;s political, social, and economic landscape.

  9. Essays on American Civil War

    For a thesis statement, you could consider topics such as "The role of slavery in causing the American Civil War" or "The impact of key battles on the outcome of the war." In your , you could set the stage for your essay by providing historical context, defining key terms, and outlining the main points you'll be discussing.

  10. Civil War, 1861-1865

    The story of the Civil War is often told as a triumph of freedom over slavery, using little more than a timeline of battles and a thin pile of legislation as plot points. Among those acts and skirmishes, addresses and battles, the Emancipation Proclamation is key: with a stroke of Abraham Lincoln's pen, the story goes, slaves were freed and ...