What was a significant consequence of the Civil War?

The preservation of the Union is a significant consequence of the Civil War because the conflict was primarily fought over the issues of states' rights and slavery, leading to the secession of several Southern states from the United States. The outcome of the war in favor of the Union meant that the United States remained a unified nation rather than splitting into separate entities. This preservation was crucial not only in maintaining the geographic and political integrity of the country but also in shaping its future direction, including the policies concerning civil rights and the reconstruction of the South. The war solidified federal authority over individual states, establishing a stronger centralized government that would influence American politics for generations. This consequence played a foundational role in the development of the United States into a cohesive nation-state and was a pivotal moment in its history.