In 1865, the United States experienced significant events that marked the end of the Civil War. The war, which began in 1861, was fought between the Northern states, known as the Union, and the Southern states, known as the Confederacy. The conflict primarily centered around issues like slavery and states' rights. On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the war. Later that year, on December 6, the 13th Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery throughout the country, which was a significant step toward civil rights in America.