Religious Figures

The Civil War came in a period of evangelical fervor and increasing religious diversity in America. Some Christian denominations such as the Methodists split over the slavery issue; others were active in the abolition movement. When war came, churchgoers both North and South were equally sure that God was on their side, and both presidents invoked divine sanction for their cause. Others, such as Quakers, had to weigh the value of patriotism versus an opposition to war.