Questions and Answers
What was a common reaction among Southern whites to the news of Sumter's surrender?
Why did Lee resign from the army?
Which state remained firmly in the Union among the Border States?
What event marked the first bloodshed of the Civil War?
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How did federal forces respond to the Confederate sympathizers in Maryland?
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What was the outcome of the battle of Glorieta Pass?
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How many men fought for the Union during the Civil War?
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What military strategy did the Union utilize regarding black soldiers?
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What percentage of the Confederacy's total population included slaves?
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Which advantage did the Union hold over the Confederacy?
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Study Notes
Lee's Resignation and Commitment to the Confederacy
- After Virginia's secession ordinance on April 17, Lee resigned from the army, feeling torn between loyalty and birthplace.
- Emphasized his personal ties to Virginia, stating he couldn't fight against his home and family.
- Joined the Confederate army with three sons and a nephew, anticipating a grim conflict.
Southern Enthusiasm for the War
- Southern whites exhibited excitement towards the war, celebrating after the surrender of Fort Sumter.
- Large crowds in Richmond displayed fervor for secession, with excitement described as "frantic delight."
- North Carolina crowds cheered for President Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy, unaware of the impending huge losses in the war.
The Border States and Initial Conflicts
- Border states like Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky faced division amidst the war, with some leaders advocating for neutrality.
- Maryland witnessed the first casualties on April 19, 1861, when a mob attacked Union troops, resulting in fatalities on both sides.
- Federal forces occupied Maryland to protect Washington and arrested numerous Confederate sympathizers.
The Battle for the West
- Union troops and Colorado miners successfully engaged Confederate forces at the Battle of Glorieta Pass, significantly weakening the Confederacy's presence in the West.
- Only 2,000 out of 3,700 Confederate soldiers returned to Texas after the battle, marking a setback for the South.
Military Manpower and Economic Disparity
- The Union had a population of 22.5 million compared to the Confederacy's 9 million, highlighting a significant manpower advantage.
- 3.7 million slaves in the South contrasted with 300,000 in Union areas, influencing enlistment dynamics.
- The Union enlisted 180,000 Black soldiers by war's end, whereas the Confederacy resisted until late in the war.
Economic Resources and Military Strategy
- The North controlled 90% of the nation's industrial capacity, which included substantial resources for the war.
- Many Southerners overestimated their military superiority, believing in their ability to defeat the "Yankees" easily.
- Southern military preparation began early, with the Confederacy already mobilizing significant forces before Lincoln's calls for militia.
Union Challenges in the War
- The North's military task involved invading and occupying a vast, hostile territory, complicating their strategic approach.
- Contrary to expectations, military strength was not the only factor for victory; moral factors favored the Confederacy.
- The South needed only to defend its territory to achieve a form of victory, which many believed they could accomplish.
Motivations and Morale of Soldiers
- Northern soldiers fought for symbols such as the Constitution and government, while Confederates fought for land, homes, and their view of liberty.
- The psychological advantage of fighting on home soil bestowed a morale boost to Confederate forces.
Mobilization and Volunteer Forces
- Over 80% of soldiers from both sides were volunteers in the early years of the war, with conscription laws later implemented in 1862 and 1863.
- Community pride and patriotic rallies played a significant role in motivating enlistment.
Key Battles and Military Strategies
- Union General Winfield Scott's Anaconda Plan aimed to blockade the South and control the Mississippi River but faced skepticism.
- The First Battle of Bull Run demonstrated the challenges faced by Union forces—misjudged readiness, resulting in a Confederate victory.
Overall Context of the War
- Battles in 1861-1862 revealed a military underestimation of the conflict's intensity, with leaders overlooking the necessity of sustained fighting for victory.
- Conflicts led to strategic evaluations and the realization that forcible control of the South would be more complex than anticipated.
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Description
Explore the poignant decision of Robert E. Lee to resign from the army following Virginia's ordinance of secession. This quiz delves into the personal and societal dilemmas faced during the Civil War, illustrating Lee's conflicted loyalties and reflections on the national crisis. Test your knowledge on this critical moment in American history.
