The Civil War (1861-1865) profoundly reshaped notions of freedom and citizenship in the United States. The war highlighted stark divisions over slavery, leading to a reevaluation of civil rights. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was a pivotal moment that framed the war as a fight for freedom, leading to the liberation of enslaved African Americans. Post-war, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were adopted, granting citizenship and legal protections to formerly enslaved people. These changes prompted new discussions around equality, citizenship rights, and the fundamental principles of freedom, reshaping the nation’s legal and moral landscape for generations.