Who really won the American civil war?

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, resulted in a victory for the Union (the Northern states). This victory preserved the United States as a single nation and led to the abolition of slavery. However, the war's aftermath saw significant struggles during Reconstruction, with many Southern states facing economic and social challenges. Thus, while the Union won militarily, the war's long-term implications were complex and varied across the nation.