The Civil War was a pivotal event in Black history, as it was a time of significant change and upheaval for African Americans in the United States. The war, fought from 1861 to 1865, was primarily over the issue of slavery, with the Southern states seceding from the Union to protect their institution of slavery.

For Black Americans, the Civil War presented both challenges and opportunities. Enslaved individuals seized the chance to escape bondage by fleeing to Union lines, where they could seek freedom and protection. The Union Army, in turn, began enlisting Black soldiers to fight for their cause. Approximately 200,000 African Americans served in the Union Army and Navy during the war, making significant contributions to the war effort.

The war also brought about transformative changes for African Americans after the Confederacy was defeated. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery throughout the United States. The Reconstruction era followed, during which efforts were made to address the rights and status of newly freed African Americans. Despite the progress made during Reconstruction, the period was also marked by violence, discrimination, and the rise of Jim Crow laws that enforced segregation and perpetuated racial inequality.

The Civil War and its aftermath laid the foundation for the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality for Black Americans in the United States. The experiences of African Americans during this turbulent period of history continue to shape the nation's understanding of race, freedom, and justice.