How Many States in the Union During the Civil War?
The American Civil War, fought between the Union (the Northern states) and the Confederacy (the Southern states), lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war was a result of the deep-seated divisions between the states, particularly over the issue of slavery. During the war, the Union consisted of 20 free states and 4 border slave states.
Direct Answer: 24 States
The direct answer to the question is that the Union had 24 states during the Civil War. This number includes:
• 20 free states: These states were anti-slavery and did not permit slavery within their borders.
• 4 border slave states: These states permitted slavery, but were considered part of the Union.
Here is a breakdown of the 24 states:
Free States (20)
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Oregon
- Nevada
Border Slave States (4)
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Missouri
Border Slave States’ Position
These states were considered "border" states because they shared borders with both the Union and the Confederacy. They were not strictly part of the Union, but also not part of the Confederacy. This made them a key factor in the war, as they could have switched sides at any moment.
Delaware:
Delaware was a border state that remained loyal to the Union throughout the war. It was one of the few slave states that did not secede.
Kentucky:
Kentucky was a border state that remained neutral at the start of the war. It declared neutrality until the Union gained control of the state in 1862.
Maryland:
Maryland was a border state that had a strong secessionist movement. However, it remained part of the Union due to the presence of Union forces and the influence of prominent Marylanders.
Missouri:
Missouri was a border state that had a divided population. The state was initially controlled by pro-Confederate forces, but Union forces gained control in 1862.
The Civil War’s Impact on the Union
The Civil War had a profound impact on the Union. It led to the abolition of slavery and the reunification of the country. The war also led to the reconstruction of the South and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution, which granted citizenship to former slaves and protected their civil rights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Union during the Civil War consisted of 20 free states and 4 border slave states. These states played a crucial role in the war, and their actions ultimately led to the defeat of the Confederacy and the abolition of slavery.