The state's role in the Civil War was significant as it involved both the Union and the Confederacy. States had the power to raise troops, manage resources, and implement laws that supported their respective sides. Each state determined its own policies regarding military enlistment and support for the war effort, which influenced the overall strategies of both factions. Additionally, states were crucial in shaping public opinion and mobilizing citizens. They organized local militias and provided supplies, while also dealing with issues like conscription and wartime governance. The actions of individual states directly impacted the course of the war and the eventual outcome.