The Civil War was a pivotal event in Black history in the United States. It took place from 1861 to 1865 and was fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues such as states' rights, slavery, and the preservation of the Union.

For Black Americans, the Civil War represented both a struggle for freedom and an opportunity to fight against the institution of slavery. Many Black men enlisted in the Union Army and Navy, serving bravely and making significant contributions to the war effort. By the end of the war, approximately 180,000 Black soldiers and sailors had fought for the Union.

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be set free. This marked a turning point in the war and helped to shift the focus towards ending slavery as a primary goal of the Union.

Following the end of the Civil War in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, formally abolishing slavery in the United States. While the end of the war brought about the emancipation of enslaved Black people, the struggle for civil rights and equality would continue for generations to come. The legacy of the Civil War in Black history is one of resilience, bravery, and the ongoing fight for racial justice.