The outcome of the **American Civil War** (1861-1865) solidified the nation's commitment to abolition and the preservation of the Union. The victory of the Union forces led to the defeat of the Confederacy, resulting in the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. This transformative event reshaped the legal landscape of the nation, prompting a difficult Reconstruction era focused on integrating formerly enslaved people into society. Additionally, the Civil War’s outcome influenced national identity, fostering a commitment to unity and civil rights that would continue to evolve throughout American history.