Slavery during the American Civil War Slavery during the American Civil War Slavery played the central role during the American Civil War. The primary catalyst for secession was slavery, especially Southern political leaders' resistance to attempts by Northern antislavery political forces to block the expansion of slavery into the western territories. Slave life went through great changes, as the South saw Union Armies take control of broad areas of land. During and before the war, slaves played an active role in their own emancipation, and thousands of slaves escaped from bondage during the war. On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation, making
Ghosts of the American Civil War Ghosts of the American Civil War There is speculation over the existence of ghosts from the American Civil War. Among the locales that have become famous for Civil War ghosts are the Sharpsburg battlefield near Sharpsburg, Maryland; Chickamauga battlefield in Georgia; Harper's Ferry, West Virginia; Buras, Louisiana; and Warren, Arkansas. The Battle of Gettysburg was the largest battle in North America. It has many ghost stories. The Soldiers' Orphanage cellar is said to make even psychics too afraid to enter the house, due to its legend. The Herr Tavern was built in 1815, but during the battle it was used