One positive result of the Civil War was the emancipation of the slaves.
             Before the Civil War, the Union was divided on this issue. Abraham
             Lincoln desired to unify the Union and he realized that emancipation was
             absolutely necessary for two reasons. First, it would keep the country
             together. Second, it would allow all men and women to be free.
             In 1864, Congress called for the thirteenth amendment, which prohibited
             slavery. This measure had two benefits. It ended slavery and the war as
             well. Although it was not easy, the Confederate unity eventually
             dissolved. This was a critical moment in America's history because the
             Confederate states wanted desperately to break from the Union completely.
             It is interesting to consider where the United States would be now if the
             Confederate states were allowed to break from the Union. The country would
             definitely not be where it is now. In addition, the country would not be
             the "united" states. It is almost certain that fighting would have
             continued and many more lives would have been lost if the Confederate
             states were allowed to exist.
             In addition, the prohibition of slavery was critical to America as well.
             It is essential that all Americans, regardless of their skin color be
             treated equally. Emancipation was the beginning of the Civil Rights
             movement and from that, slaves not only came to experience freedom, but
             women did as well. America was founded on freedom and it only makes sense
             that freedom could be embraced by all of its citizens.
             Although the Civil War was painful and many lives were lost, we can look
             back at it and know that it was not in vain because the country is united
             and because all American citizens are born free....