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A revolution is a change, a change in values, ideas, and systems. The American Civil War produced a change in the political, economical, and social life of Americans and therefore is also a revolution.
The American Civil War definitely produced a social revolution in many aspects. The women’s movement was growing; for the first time nursing became a respectable profession and a woman became a doctor. Families were split between the North and South. Many soldiers were fighting their own brothers. Riots took place, many small, but there were some mass riots due to the draft system. One such riot took place in New York City during 1863 by anti-black Irish-Americans.
An economic revolution also occurred from the Civil War. Cotton was no longer king because of the built-up surplus in Europe and the blockade put on the South. Grain from the North was becoming big business due to McCormick’s mechanical reaper. The sewing machine was also a growing industry to make uniforms and supplies for the armies. Along with the war came great inflation. It was greatest in the South; it climbed all the way up to 9,000%.
The war had a big political influence. There was controversy with Great Britain to deal with. Congress was busy passing legislation such as the Morrill Tariff Act, the National Banking Act, and the Homestead Act of 1862. Following the conclusion of the war was the emancipation of slaves and reconstruction of the Union.
The American Civil War had a great impact on the American people because it was a war of values and customs; it caused many changes to take place economically, politically, and especially socially.