The Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 . The war was between the United StatesĀ (Union) several Sothern slave states (Confederacy). After four years of bloody combat that left 600,000 soldiers dead. President Abraham Linclon was president at this time. On April 12, 1861 the Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter. After four years of bloody war the Union won.