American Civil War Overview

Questions and Answers

What event started the Civil War?

Battle of Gettysburg

Trent affair

Fort Sumter (correct)

The shooting at the Alabama

Who was Col. Robert Anderson?

Colonel guarding Fort Sumter

Which states are known as the Border States?

California, Oregon, Nevada

Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas

Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland (correct)

Ohio, Indiana, Illinois

What is a Billy Yank?

Union soldier Signup and view all the answers

What is a Johnny Reb?

Confederate soldier Signup and view all the answers

Who was Robert E. Lee?

Commander from Virginia who joined the Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of King Cotton?

Britain's reliance on cotton from the Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

What role did King Wheat play?

The North's strong agricultural output during the Civil War Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the Trent affair?

Union warship forcibly removed two Confederate diplomats from a British ship Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Alabama?

A Confederate warship that sunk Union warships Signup and view all the answers

Who was Napoleon III?

Emperor who sent troops to Mexico and sought to expand French influence in North America Signup and view all the answers

What did Jefferson Davis do?

Served as the Confederate president Signup and view all the answers

What does Habeas Corpus safeguard?

Individual freedom against arbitrary state action Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Three-hundred-dollar-men'?

Men paid to fight on behalf of others Signup and view all the answers

What are Bounty Jumpers?

Men who deserted and reenlisted for bonuses Signup and view all the answers

What was the Morrill Tariff Act?

Increased duties from 50 to 10% Signup and view all the answers

What are Greenbacks?

Paper money used during the Civil War Signup and view all the answers

What does Inflation mean in the context of the Civil War?

The depreciation of Confederate currency Signup and view all the answers

Who was Elizabeth Blackwell?

First female physician Signup and view all the answers

What contribution did Clara Barton make?

Transformed nursing into a respected profession Signup and view all the answers

Who was Dorthea Dix?

Reformed nursing, enhancing its respectability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fort Sumter and Key Figures

Union fort located in South Carolina; did not surrender to Confederacy, sparking the Civil War.
Col. Robert Anderson was the colonel in command of Fort Sumter during its bombardment.

Border States

Key states include Missouri, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Their allegiance could have doubled the South's manufacturing capacity and increased the supply of mules and horses significantly.

Soldiers of the Civil War

Union soldiers were referred to as "Billy Yank."
Confederate soldiers were known as "Johnny Reb."

Military Leadership

Robert E. Lee was a prominent Virginian general who sided with the Confederacy due to state loyalty.
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson served as a key tactical theorist and lieutenant for the South.

Economic Aspects

"King Cotton" represented the South's reliance on cotton exports for support, which failed to attract British aid.
The North, benefiting from good weather and mechanical reapers, produced surplus grain ("King Wheat" and "King Corn").

International Conflicts

The Trent Affair involved the British mail steamer Trent; two Confederate diplomats were forcefully removed by a Union warship.
The ship Alabama, operated by British crew, sank 34 Union warships before its own destruction off France.

International Relations

Laird Rams were conflict-creating Confederate ships built in Britain with the intent to disrupt Union naval forces.
Napoleon III of France anticipated a Union failure, sending troops to occupy Mexico City.

Confederate Leadership

Jefferson Davis served as the president of the Confederacy, known for his strong-willed nature and heavy workload.

Civil Liberties and Economic Measures

Habeas Corpus represented the protection of individuals against arbitrary imprisonment.
The term "three-hundred-dollar-men" referred to men who paid others to fight in their place, leading to issues in enlistment.

Taxation and Financial Strategies

The Union implemented an income tax, which generated millions from alcohol and tobacco.
The Morrill Tariff Act raised duties significantly to boost government revenue.

Inflation and Currency

The value of the Confederate dollar plummeted, equating to only 1.6 cents.
Greenbacks, the Union's paper currency, fluctuated in value against gold, at times worth only 39% of a gold dollar.

"Shoddy" wool described the lower-quality materials used for clothing during the war.
Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female physician, advocating for women's roles in medicine.
Clara Barton and Dorothea Dix played crucial roles in advancing nursing to a respected profession during the war.

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Description

This quiz covers key aspects of the American Civil War, including significant events like the bombardment of Fort Sumter, important figures such as Robert E. Lee and Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, and the role of border states. Explore the military, economic, and social implications of the conflict.