<P> During the American Civil War ( 1861 -- 1865 ) , the Union referred to the United States of America and specifically to the national government of President Abraham Lincoln and the 20 free states , 4 border and slave states ( some with split governments and troops sent both north and south ) that supported it . The Union was opposed by 11 southern slave states ( or 13 , according to the Southern view and one western territory ) that formed the Confederate States of America , or also known as `` the Confederacy '' . </P>
<P> During the American Civil War ( 1861 -- 1865 ) , the Union referred to the United States of America and specifically to the national government of President Abraham Lincoln and the 20 free states , 4 border and slave states ( some with split governments and troops sent both north and south ) that supported it . The Union was opposed by 11 southern slave states ( or 13 , according to the Southern view and one western territory ) that formed the Confederate States of America , or also known as `` the Confederacy '' . </P>
who did the union fight in the civil war
who did the union fight in the civil war
11 southern slave states ( or 13 , according to the Southern view and one western territory ) that formed the Confederate States of America , or also known as `` the Confederacy ''
11 southern slave states ( or 13 , according to the Southern view and one western territory ) that formed the Confederate States of America , or also known as `` the Confederacy ''