Explain the significance of the American Civil War.

The significance of the American Civil War can be summarised as follows:

1. The war put an end to the institution of slavery which had estranged relations between the northern and the southern states of America.
2. The war abolished from American politics, the idea of state sovereignty and secession for all times to come. The war welded the people of the USA into a strong nation.
3. War enhanced the growth of large scale manufacturing industries. New lands were brought under cultivation during the war. Further, due to shortage of labour in these lands, the farmers were compelled to use machines which resulted in reduced labour cost and increased production.
4. The war led to the regulation of the Banking system in the USA. In 1863, the Congress passed the National Banking Act to provide stimulus to the sale of war bonds. It provided great impetus to paper currency and contributed to the growth of nationwide business.
5. The war led to the introduction of a number of new weapons like quick loading rifles, armoured ships, submarines, etc. Rail roads and telegraphs were used for the first time as communication system of warfare.
6. The war inspired other countries of the world to abolish the inhuman practice of slavery and slave trade.