The year 1861 marked the beginning of the American Civil War, a conflict between the Northern states, known as the Union, and the Southern states, referred to as the Confederacy. Tensions had been rising over issues such as slavery and states' rights, leading to the secession of several Southern states from the Union. The first major battle, the First Battle of Bull Run, took place in July, highlighting the war's intensity and the challenges both sides would face. In Europe, 1861 was also significant for the Italian unification movement, as various states began to consolidate into a single nation. The Kingdom of Sardinia, under the leadership of Count Camillo di Cavour, played a crucial role in this process. Meanwhile, the British Empire continued to expand its influence globally, with ongoing colonial ventures in Africa and Asia.