Civil war history exam quiz trivia. The civil war in America almost put in danger the peace that existed after the revolutionary war. The war was between the northern (Union) and southern (Confederate) states from 1861 to 1865. One of the major reasons for this war was the desire for the abolishment of slavery by the north. The south, therefore, wanted to form its own different nation. Do take the quiz and see what more you know about this war.