Importance of the Civil War: An Exaggeration?

I do not hesitate to agree with historians when I say that the Civil War holds great importance in our nation's history. Without the Civil War, women may not have had the increase in status that they received due to nursing wounded soldiers or even fighting in battle. In addition, the Industrial Revolution really took over the economy, and "King Cotton" no longer stood in anyone's way. The Civil War proved that our country and its government can stand up to opposition and truly come out stronger and on top of things. I think one of the main reasons that the Civil War is so famous is because of the great leadership we had under Abraham Lincoln. Without him, we may have ended up with a Confederate flag. Also important is the progress that was made towards true equality. The thirteenth amendment was passed, and slaves were actually freed! The Civil War truly brought about great change for our country!