The Lasting Effects of the American Civil War

by Philippa Noble

As the American Revolution and the Constitution that followed left societal scars on America that last to this day, the American Civil War has certainly left its mark on how the US has developed both socially and economically.

The most commonly referenced long-term effect of the civil war is industrialisation and, therefore, the US coming to the front of the global scene. Following the North’s (or Unionists’) victory in 1865, premature industry in the northern states developed into a much more sophisticated version of itself. The South, having suffered heavy blows to its economy during and after the war (with blockades, rapid inflation, and a sudden loss of capital), was left at a severe disadvantage against the North. This led to northern states becoming dominant and spreading their values (including mechanisation and the evolution away from agriculture dependency). In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railroad Act which reinforced this shift with ameliorated transport links, supporting interstate trade and increased production. The encouragement of patents and protectionism insured that the united economy could grow, including the developing industries inside. The number of patents issued jumped from 7,653 in 1860, to at least 15,000 annually in the post-war period, to 45,661 in 1897. Patents increased security and encouraged innovation, while protectionism increased tariffs on foreign imports as industry grew and agriculture expanded westwards. This protective wall nurtured the economy as a growing population (both American-born and immigrant) expanded the work force and ultimately productive potential. This led to a flourishing period of industrialisation and, by 1913, the US produced a third of the world’s total industrial output. A crippled South submitted to industrialisation, as they could provide no means of opposition (especially with increasing Northern majorities in Congress). However, they were mainly left out of this expansionary period, remaining heavily reliant on agriculture. As a cause of this, northern and middle states became much more populous than their southern counterparts as their industry thrived with new opportunities and rapid growth. Industrialisation was the main characteristic of postbellum America and remains prominent, ranking in the top 20 for highest GDP per capita and first in highest nominal GDP in the world.

Discord between states is another short-term-turned-long-term effect of the war. Dating back to the early War of Independence, the disunity of states dictated strategic areas of British focus (i.e. Southern, Middle, and New England colonies). It was also evident by the differences in economies: whilst Southern colonies were reliant on tobacco, rice, and indigo, Northern colonies relied on shipbuilding, iron works, and cattle and grain. Obviously, economic activity evolved over time, but still maintained and even exacerbated differences with focuses heavily set on agriculture in the South and the beginnings of industrialisation in the North in the lead up to the civil war. These eventually manifested in war, yet at the same time the American Civil War was much more sinister than just a cumulation of differences: it was cementing this discord in history. This led to centuries-long contention, immortalised by constant reenactments and “state pride”. As an example of this, the Confederate Flag still flies in many Southern States; it’s still even a part of five southern state flags. It represents for many Southerners history and pride, yet for Northerners racism and the glorification of slavery - just another way that disagreements have been perpetuated since the civil war. As was mentioned earlier, the divide between North and South wasn’t solved by the war or even after. Economic growth was focused in the developing North while the southern economy floundered. Beliefs on slavery were muddled, with the southern states being left to effectively govern themselves in that respect, brought by the end of federal interference. Overall, discord between states had been an issue ever since they were created as colonies, but neither the colonists nor the statesmen managed to fully bridge the divide and they still haven’t succeeded yet. The war’s contribution to this matter was to create a monument for it, forever perpetuated by denial and glorification.

The final, more disputed long-term effect of the civil war was ingrained racism - especially within the southern states. In the lead up to the American Civil War, the northern population were increasingly worried by Congress evolving into a “Slave Power” and that they were merely aiding rich plantation owners with new laws. This became evident in Dred Scott v. Sandford where, in response to him suing against being held as a slave in a supposedly “free state”, Chief Justice Roger B Taney ruled that he had no case, declaring that the black race was “so far inferior that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Unfortunately, however, a war cannot bring an end to such ingrained racism instantly - and neither has it in the last century. Post-war, southern states passed Black Codes, heavily restricting the freedoms of freedmen. In other words, the states passed documents that were heavily based on previous slave codes to prevent the free from achieving autonomy and franchisement. Racism again manifested in the creation of the KKK in 1866 where they targeted not only former slaves and freedmen, but also the Radical Republicans that supported emancipation. We can see just from the organisations’ continuation today (and how it took the US President more than two days and social pressure to condemn the group) how their beliefs still remain to a certain extent. Furthermore, the Bargain of 1877 brought the removal of federal interference, leaving the southern states to govern themselves as they pleased. Therefore, little control over the southern states remained, including power over laws on emancipation. This led to the Black Codes and the restriction of black franchise that, although no longer acceptable, have left their own cultural scars in the South. Nevertheless, the war did improve relations between races and the situations of slaves through Amendments XIV, XV, and XVI by increasing civil and voting rights. Postbellum America brought a progression in rights and, with the amendments above, made the country more democratic than ever before. In total, long lasting effects of the Civil War include ingrained racism, despite efforts to remove it. The continuation of the KKK and the need for the 1950s-60s civil rights movement demonstrate how this is still a factor in American society. Yet, the situation was improved for many and so, the war cannot be totally to blame for its perpetuation.

In conclusion, the American Civil War had long lasting effects on state-relations, the economy, and interracial relations. Just as the American Revolution left us with the Constitution, an example of a republic, and gun laws that last to this day, the American Civil War left its mark on society and the world. The war was both responsible for and an amelioration to continued racial discord, however there is no doubt that it had major effects on how the US economy would affect our world for over a century to come. Disunity between states directly affected race relations through different laws and beliefs, as well as creating a harsh divide between the economic growth and stagnation of the North and South. Overall, the American Civil War affected the US in probably the most pertinent of ways - striking society, the economy, and politics right at the heart.