What is 1861-1865 from?

Answer 1

The American Civil War occurred during this time period (1861-1865).

It was a time of violence and stupidity. Generals of the North were unable to completely bring the Confederacy down. Generals Sherman and Grant were able to bring things to a close. Sherman destroyed much of the South's infrastructure by burning and grazing cities that his army crossed. He was one that brought the strategy of "total war". Grant defeated the remaining Confederacy army led by Lee and brought back the union. It was the bloodiest American war ever.

Also during this time (and a little after) the French intervened in Mexico to try and get them to repay their debts. The US was too busy to deal with the French which is why they acted at that time.