Why was the Civil War a turning point in American history?

The Civil War was a turning point in American history because it marked the end of slavery in the United States, which was a significant moral and social issue. It also established the federal government's power over states and reaffirmed the importance of national unity. The war resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 soldiers and civilians and caused economic and political changes throughout the country. It also paved the way for the reconstruction period, which aimed to rebuild the South and promote racial equality. Finally, it solidified the United States' position as a world power and cemented the idea of the country as a union that could not be separated.