Conversation so far:
What was important for Ralph Waldo Emerson during the Civil War years?
A number of Ralph Waldo Emerson's friends and family members were more active abolitionists than he, at first, but from 1844 on, he more actively opposed slavery.
Did Ralph Waldo Emerson ever lecture regardless of how he felt?
Ralph Waldo Emerson did not appreciate being in the public limelight. But in the years leading up to the Civil War, he did give a number of lectures.
Did Ralph Waldo Emerson participate in many lectures?
Ralph Waldo Emerson gave a number of speeches and lectures, and welcomed John Brown to his home during Brown's visits to Concord.

Question: What else happened during the Civil War years?
Self-contained rewrite: What else happened during the Civil War years?