What was the approximate duration of the Civil War?

The duration of the Civil War is accurately represented by the years 1861 to 1865, which marks the period when the conflict took place between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy). This war was primarily fought over issues including states' rights and slavery, culminating in significant events such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Understanding this timeline is important because it places the Civil War within the context of American history, highlighting its role in shaping the nation’s future.

The other options reflect different historical events; the years from 1850 to 1860 encompass a decade leading up to the war, characterized by escalating tensions but not the actual conflict itself. The period from 1865 to 1870 corresponds to the Reconstruction Era, a time of rebuilding the nation after the war. Lastly, the years from 1776 to 1783 refer to the American Revolutionary War, which was a separate and unrelated conflict aimed at gaining independence from British rule.