The term "Confederacy" often refers to the Confederate States of America, a group of eleven southern states that seceded from the United States during the American Civil War (1861-1865). These states formed their own government, believing they had the right to maintain their own laws, particularly regarding slavery. The Confederacy aimed to preserve their way of life and assert their independence from the Union. The conflict between the Confederacy and the Union led to significant battles and a long, devastating war. Ultimately, the Confederacy was defeated, and the states were reintegrated into the United States. This period remains a crucial part of American history, shaping discussions about civil rights and state sovereignty today.