The Civil War broke America's democracy. One-third of American states did not participate in the 1864 election; twenty-two of fifty Senate seats and more than a quarter of House seats were left vacant. President Lincoln famously suspended habeas corpus and issued constitutionally dubious executive orders, though, of course, one notable executive order freed the slaves. And following the Union victory, much of the former Confederacy was placed under military rule.
The Civil War had a profound impact on American democracy, leading to significant disruptions in the political landscape. In the 1864 elections, a large portion of states, approximately one-third, did not participate, resulting in many unfilled congressional seats. This absence highlighted the fragmentation and turmoil within the nation. Additionally, President Lincoln took controversial actions that raised questions about the constitutionality of his decisions, such as suspending habeas corpus.
Despite these challenges, the war ultimately led to some progressive actions, including the emancipation of slaves through Lincoln's executive order. After the Union's victory, the government imposed military governance over much of the South, reflecting the ongoing struggles to reintegrate the former Confederacy into the Union. These events underscored the complexities and vulnerabilities within American democracy in times of crisis.
