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The American Civil War began in 1861, lasted until 1865, and was ruinous by any standard. Within months of President Lincoln’s inauguration, seven southern states began the secession from the Union and declared the Confederate States of America. This split in the fabric of the country began a bitter war, concluding in the death of more than 750,000 soldiers. When the South finally surrendered, the Confederacy collapsed, and slavery was abolished. To understand the conflict, take a look back at the primary documents that highlight decisions of generals, the everyday drudgery of soldiers, and the photographic images of battle.
Letters reveal a lot about the writers and the time during which they were written. They relate the writer’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Letters written during the Civil War describe the hardships faced by the people at home and in the war. For example, a letter by a soldier might talk about his fears, his daily life, and his hope for returning home. A formerly enslaved person's letter might describe his life after slavery and his hope to reunite with family, start a new life, or join the Union army. These letters help historians understand how people at the time saw the events around them and how they were affected by those events. For that reason, the letters are viewed as important primary sources.
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