The American Civil War remains a source of fascination for people around the world. It was a conflict that pitted the Union ( North ) against the Confederacy ( South) and engulfed a nation in a bloody conflict that killed over 600,000 Americans. Recently, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, reignited a debate about the context and purpose of the Civil War during an interview with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. During the interview Haley made a glaring statement that “The Civil War was about not slavery, but about lack of respect for the law.” However, Haley was quick to clarify her statement and addressed the wide spread criticism and ridicule. In a written statement, Haley said “The Civil War started because of the immoral and oppressive institution of slavery and the desire of some to maintain it. Slavery was a fact in our history, and its eradication through a bloody war required enormous courage and sacrifice. This is the lesson that we must remember and carry forward.” She went onto emphasize her point on the issue of slavery being at the heart of the Civil War and the immense courage that it took to end this oppress institution by proclaiming “Individual freedom was the lesson of the Civil War and we should remember this important part of our history.” Haley’s clarification of her statement is welcomed by many and offers an important view looking back at the American Civil War. It is vital to understand the slave-free legacy of the United States, the courage and bravery it took to end it and how the lessons of individual freedom can shape our present society.