American Civil War Overview
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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason why Lincoln was hesitant to free slaves in the Border States?

  • He believed that slavery was a moral evil and should be abolished immediately.
  • He worried that freeing slaves would lead to widespread unrest and violence.
  • He felt that it was necessary to appease the Southern states and avoid further conflict.
  • He feared that doing so would alienate these states and cause them to join the Confederacy. (correct)

    • What was the significance of the Battle of Antietam?

  • It was the first major battle of the Civil War, marking the beginning of the conflict.
  • It was a turning point in the war, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation and a shift in the Union's strategy.
  • It was the bloodiest battle of the war, with over 25,000 casualties, and marked a turning point in public opinion against the war. (correct)
  • It was a decisive victory for the Confederacy, allowing them to gain control of the Mississippi River.

    • What was the key factor that led to the South's secession from the Union?

  • The Southern states felt that they were being exploited by the Northern states, who controlled most of the country's wealth and power.
  • The Southern states wanted to create their own nation, separate from the Union, where they could maintain their own way of life and institutions.
  • The Southern states disagreed with the Union's policies, such as its opposition to slavery, high tariffs, and federal regulations.
  • The Southern states feared that Lincoln, as the newly elected president, would abolish slavery, which was the foundation of their economy. (correct)

    • Why was the Mississippi River considered a key strategic objective during the Civil War?

    <p>Control of the Mississippi River would effectively split the Confederacy in two, isolating the Western Confederacy from the East and disrupting their ability to transport resources and reinforce their troops. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were some of the ways women contributed to the Civil War effort?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Emancipation Proclamation affect the outcome of the Civil War?

    <p>It strengthened the Union's cause, turning the conflict into a fight not only for the preservation of the Union but also for the abolition of slavery. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the major factors that caused the high number of casualties during the Civil War?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why Confederate officers Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are considered legendary figures?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of the draft on the Civil War?

    <p>Both the Union and the Confederacy used the draft to maintain their manpower as the war progressed, but it was unpopular and fueled resentment among those forced to fight. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?

    <p>It was a decisive victory for the Union, marking a turning point in the war and leading to the Emancipation Proclamation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a reason why the South believed they had an advantage going into the Civil War?

    <p>They had a stronger Navy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Anaconda Plan?

    <p>A strategy focused on a naval blockade, capturing key strategic locations, and dividing the Confederacy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for the high mortality rate at Andersonville Prison?

    <p>Inhumane conditions, overcrowding, and disease. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main objective of Sherman's March to the Sea?

    <p>To cripple the South's economy and morale. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the motivation behind John Wilkes Booth's attempt to kidnap President Lincoln?

    <p>To use him as a bargaining chip for Confederate prisoners. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Battle of Pea Ridge?

    <p>It involved a significant number of Native American fighters on the Confederate side. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the South's overall strategy in the Civil War?

    <p>Prolonging the war until the Union lost the will to fight. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the Gettysburg Address?

    <p>It eloquently defined the principles for which the war was being fought. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Confederate Advantages

    The strengths of the Confederacy, including military leadership, potential allies, and lifestyle.

    Union Advantages

    The strengths of the Union, including a larger population, industrial resources, and a strong navy.

    Andersonville

    Infamous Confederate prison known for overcrowding, shortages, and high death rates.

    Anaconda Plan

    Union war strategy to defeat the Confederacy by blockades and capturing key locations.

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    March to the Sea

    Sherman's military campaign aimed at destroying the South's economy and will to fight.

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    Gettysburg Address

    Lincoln's famous 3-minute speech at the dedication of a cemetery after the battle.

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    Total War

    A military strategy of destroying both enemy military and civilian resources.

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    Lincoln's Assassination

    Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater.

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    Goals of the Union

    Save the United States and abolish slavery.

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    Goals of the Confederacy

    Independence, states' rights, no tariffs, and continuation of slave trade.

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    Antietam

    The bloodiest day in American Civil War with 25,000 casualties.

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    Emancipation Proclamation

    Freed all slaves in Confederate states, encouraging many to join the Union Army.

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    Appomatox

    The location where Lee surrendered to Grant, ending the Civil War.

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    Union's disadvantages

    Long supply lines, weak generals, had to invade and control the South.

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    Draft impact

    Both sides relied on drafts to strengthen numbers; rich could pay to avoid it.

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    Women in the Civil War

    Women ran homes and businesses, served as nurses and spies.

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    Civil War soldier's diet

    Rations included hard tack, salt pork, coffee, and dried veggies.

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    Discrimination of African American soldiers

    Paid less, limited promotions, unwanted jobs, and faced violence if captured.

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    Study Notes

    Presidents

    • Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States
    • Jefferson Davis was President of the Confederacy

    Confederate Advantages

    • Skilled military leaders
    • Potential allies (France and Great Britain)
    • Southern lifestyle (hunting and riding)
    • Home-field advantage

    Union Advantages

    • Larger population
    • More industry (factories and supplies)
    • Extensive railroad network
    • Superior navy

    Southern Problems

    • Economic ruin: struggling with costs
    • Loss of cotton trade
    • Severe shortages due to Union blockade

    Assassination of Lincoln

    • John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln
    • Location: Ford's Theater, Washington D.C.

    Civil War Technology

    • Ironclad warships: covered with protective iron plates

    Andersonville Prison

    • Infamous Southern prison camp
    • Lack of shelter
    • Severe overcrowding
    • Food shortages
    • Disease: 100+ men died daily (summer months)

    Union War Plan (Anaconda Plan)

    • Winfield Scott's plan
    • Blockade the southern coast
    • Capture Richmond (capital)
    • Capture the Mississippi River
    • March through the South

    Sherman's March to the Sea

    • General William T. Sherman's campaign from Atlanta to Savannah
    • Objective: destroy Southern economy and morale
    • Strategy: total war (military and civilian resources)

    Causes of the Civil War

    • Slavery was the root cause

    Nicknames for Soldiers

    • Union: Federals, Yankees, Yanks
    • Confederates: Johnny Reb, greyback, Rebels

    Border States

    • Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri
    • Slave states that remained loyal to the Union

    Confederate Strategy

    • Prolong the war
    • Cotton diplomacy (use cotton as leverage with potential allies)

    Union Goals

    • Save the United States
    • Abolish slavery

    Confederate Goals

    • Independence
    • States' rights
    • No tariffs
    • Continue slave trade

    Union Disadvantages

    • Long supply lines
    • Weak generals (e.g., McClellan)
    • Needed to invade and control the South

    Reasons for Border State Slavery

    • Lincoln was wary of Border States joining the Confederacy

    War Casualties

    • Disease killed more than combat
    • New weaponry and outdated tactics caused high casualties

    Winning Side

    • Union (North) won the war
    • Wore blue uniforms

    Confederacy's Loss

    • Confederacy (South) lost the war
    • Wore grey uniforms

    Start of the War

    • Fort Sumter: first battle of the Civil War
    • South wanted Federal officers to leave; shots fired

    Famous Union Officers

    • William T. Sherman
    • Ulysses S. Grant
    • George B. McClellan
    • Robert Gould Shaw

    Famous Confederate Officers

    • Robert E. Lee
    • Stonewall Jackson

    Crucial Battles

    • Antietam: bloodiest single day of the war (25,000 casualties)
    • Gettysburg: turning point of the war; Union victory
    • Pea Ridge: famous Arkansas battle with Native American participation; Union victory

    Emancipation Proclamation

    • Freed slaves in Confederate states
    • Many joined the Union army

    End of the War

    • Appomattox Court House: Lee surrendered to Grant

    Gettysburg Address

    • Abraham Lincoln's famous 3-minute speech at Gettysburg
    • Dedicated a national cemetery; significant speech in history

    Civil War Impacts on Women

    • Took on household, business and farm responsibilities
    • Many became widows
    • Served as nurses, spies, or disguised soldiers

    The Draft and Impact

    • Both sides used conscription
    • War was called "a rich man's war and a poor man's fight"

    Union Control of Mississippi River

    • Divided the Confederacy
    • Made it hard to move supplies

    Southern Secession

    • Fear of Lincoln's policy on slavery caused Southern states to secede

    Soldiers' Diet

    • Rations: hardtack, salt pork, coffee, dried vegetables

    Post-Lincoln Presidency and Reconstruction

    • Andrew Johnson became President after Lincoln's assassination
    • Task of Reconstruction 

    Reconstruction (No Punishment)

    • Goal: reunification of the United States
    • Punishments would have created resentment

    Child Soldiers

    • 20% of soldiers were under 18
    • Performed various roles (e.g. musicians, couriers)

    African American Soldiers Discrmination

    • Faced discrimination
    • Lower pay
    • Limited officer opportunities
    • Assigned undesirable jobs
    • High rate of injury

    Civil War and American Diet

    • Food shortages, blockades, and substitutions affected diets of Americans

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of the American Civil War, including the advantages and challenges faced by both the Union and the Confederacy. Learn about significant events such as Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the conditions in infamous prison camps like Andersonville. This quiz covers key battles, technologies, and war strategies that defined this pivotal era in American history.

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