There were a number of reasons why families split up during the Civil War. Some families were divided due to their political beliefs. Others were divided due to the location of their homes. For example, families living in border states such as Maryland and Kentucky were often divided by the war, as these states did not secede from the Union but allowed slavery. Still other families were divided due to their economic interests. For example, some wealthy landowners in the South supported the Confederacy because they feared that freeing the slaves would lead to the destruction of their economic system.
The split-up of families was a traumatic experience for many Americans. It meant that families were often separated from loved ones for years, and in some cases, forever. The war also led to a great deal of bitterness and resentment between family members who held opposing political views. In the years after the war, many families struggled to rebuild their relationships.