The American Civil War had profound impacts on the structure of American society. It led to the abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment, fundamentally altering the social fabric, particularly in the Southern states reliant on slave labor. Post-war, the U.S. saw significant movements towards civil rights for African Americans, although these changes were met with resistance and ushered in the era of Reconstruction. The war also catalyzed shifts in economic practices, with increased industrialization in the North. Ultimately, the Civil War set the stage for ongoing challenges related to race relations, economic disparities, and national unity.