Was the Civil War Really Necessary? Argument Essay

Do you agree with that the Civil War was really necessary? List three examples that support your opinion.

David Goldfield said that the Civil War was, “America’s greatest failure” however, without the Civil War this nation would not be what is today. Looking back at the bloodshed of the War the inglorious reality may seem to not outweigh the cost. The War was only suspected to be a 90 day event. Americans living and dead wish it was. We must remind ourselves, that without the Civil War slavery would have never been abolished. Americans did not slaughter each other for nothing. They fought for those who had no voice, and who would continue to have no voice if nothing was done. The indirect and direct aftermath of The War displays this. The brave freedmen who fought in the Civil War displayed their patriotism and the importance of their cause. The Civil War created a political platform for Congress to create lives for the Freedmen, such as the Freedmen’s Bureau and the 14th Amendment. Lastly, the War ultimately brought the black community closer together. It united these people and inspired them to become proud Americans, despite the hardships they endured.

Many of the conflicts the Civil War was fought for, was not resolved until the fighting officially ended. Although, the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and the other black soldiers enlisting after served as a perfect example of the direct result of the War. In the early years of the war blacks were not allowed to serve in the army. The original armies where composed of more young finically stable white men. The wealthy where more likely to serve in the beginning of the war, displaying their honor and dedication to the cause. However, as the years went on lives became disposable. Especially Grants tactics of bombarding the Confederates with a never ending supply of men. Once Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, he also opened the Union Army to African Americans. This was the first sign of black value and their determination to fight for their rights. They African American population was questioning why they could not fight for themselves and Lincoln responded. Led by Robert Gould Shaw, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was the first all black volunteer regiment who remains famous for their noble actions and heroism. Soon blacks comprised of 10% of the Northern Army. Unlike the defeated white soldiers, Black fighting men had their hearts in the Civil War. They fought for their freedom. It was a bloody fight, but in the end they won.

On March 3, 1865 Congress created the Freedmen’s Bureau, the first social security institution in the history of the United States. Congress mission was to help freed slaves who had previously completely relied on their masters. Many slaves went through a dramatic form of culture shock, having spent their whole lives at the mercy of their masters. The Freedmen’s Bureau sought to provide food clothing, healthcare, and education. The organization’s most important achievement was, by farm, the education of freedmen. Freed slaves learned to read and write, this soon became very important in their communities as well. Education improved the lives of many freedmen. It served ad a fulfillment of a long-sought right that had been denied to blacks. This rapid progression in black well being served as a hard pill to swallow for the South. Their happiness was countered by Jim Crow Laws and Black Codes. Congress tried to undercut these by the Civil Rights Bill. Unfortunately that was vetoed, but Congress did not give up. They transformed the Civil Rights Bill into the Fourteenth Amendment. The 14th Amendment