One of the conflicts, which led to the Civil War in the 19th century, addressed the existence of slavery on the territory of the United States. Although, according to the Constitution of that time, slavery was considered to be legal, president Abraham Lincoln comprehended that it presented a pressing concern. He was also aware of the fact that the residents of the Northern part of the country would share the determination to free slaves. Therefore, the outcomes of the Civil War considerably changed the status of African Americans in American society.
The issue of slavery was crucial at the early stages of the war. African Americans were not willing to lead the lifestyle, which they had adhered to before. The attacks of the North army meant that slaves might not have obeyed their hosts. State Historical Society of IOWA highlights: “They simply left their plantations to seek their freedom under the protection of northern military units” (African Americans and the Civil War, n. d., para. 2). During a particular period of the war, they became soldiers in the North army.
After the end of the war, the living conditions of African Americans and the attitude to them from other categories of the population changed dramatically. One of the major outcomes of the conflict is the fact that slavery was canceled. State Historical Society of IOWA mentions: “Most African Americans had walked away from their bondage, and there was no sentiment in the North to reward southern slaveholders with the return of their slaves” (African Americans and the Civil War, n. d., para. 6). As for the status of African Americans in American society, their rights and equality were promoted and established. Their children were capable of learning at schools, as well as other Americans. However, it should be mentioned that there was declination of these achievements during the presidentship of Rutherford B. Hayes, who advanced white majorities in states and separate, but equal schools (African Americans and the Civil War, n. d.). Nevertheless, the Civil War contributed to the improvements of the living conditions of African Americans in the long run.
Reference
African Americans and the Civil War (n. d.). State Historical Society of IOWA.