Confederacy
An unrecognized republic in North America that existed from 1861 to 1865
Real World Example
The Confederacy was important because it highlighted deep divisions in the United States over issues like states' rights and slavery, which had roots going back to the establishment of the 13 English Colonies. These tensions remain relevant today as debates over federal versus state power and civil rights continue to shape American politics. The Confederacy's existence and the Civil War that followed led to the abolition of slavery, which has had lasting impacts on social justice and equality movements. For example, discussions about racial equality and civil rights today connect back to the challenges faced during and after the Civil War. An average person might encounter these ideas in discussions about voting rights or when learning about U.S. history in school.