Civil War: Observations and Beliefs

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Questions and Answers

What did New England teacher Laura M. Towne observe about freed African Americans in her South Carolina classroom?

They were eager to learn.

What liberty did Southerners try to protect with their secession?

The liberty to own, buy, sell, and transport slaves.

What policy regarding slavery did President Abraham Lincoln state in his inaugural address?

Leaving slavery alone in the South.

How did the constitution of the Confederacy differ from that of the United States?

It stated specifically that whites were superior to blacks. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the 'cooperationists' during the secession crisis?

Residents of the Upper South who agreed to remain in the Union if the Lincoln administration cooperated with remaining slave states. Signup and view all the answers

What would have been the consequence of the Crittenden Compromise, if passed?

Congress could not have barred slavery from territories. Signup and view all the answers

Once the Lower South had seceded, Republicans concluded that

Any compromise amounted to northern surrender to southern blackmail. Signup and view all the answers

By the spring of 1861, most Southerners had concluded that

No additional compromise with the North would succeed. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Confederate president Jefferson Davis send to Charleston to seize Fort Sumter and defend the harbor?

General P.G.T. Beauregard. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Confederates open fire on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861?

President Jefferson Davis had to prove his authority. Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of President Lincoln's call for volunteers?

Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina seceded. Signup and view all the answers

Which Confederate state experienced the greatest opposition to secession?

Virginia. Signup and view all the answers

To what does the term 'contraband' refer?

Runaway slaves in Union custody. Signup and view all the answers

The first real test of Union and Confederate arms came in July 1861 at the

Battle of Bull Run, or Manassas. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of General Joseph Johnston during the first Battle of Bull Run?

Signup and view all the answers

Who commanded all Union forces when the Civil War began?

General George B. McClellan. Signup and view all the answers

What was the title of the Union's plan to squeeze the Confederacy into submission?

Anaconda Plan. Signup and view all the answers

During the Civil War,

Women were permitted to serve only in noncombat roles. Signup and view all the answers

How did President Lincoln want his generals to conduct the war?

By coordinating attacks so southern armies would be engaged and unable to assist each other. Signup and view all the answers

Who was selected to serve as president of the Confederate States of America?

Jefferson F. Davis of Mississippi, a moderate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the most consistent source of tension in Confederate government?

States' rights. Signup and view all the answers

Who were Joseph E. Brown and Zebulon Vance?

Southern governors more interested in states' rights than Confederate victory. Signup and view all the answers

What was the most striking aspect of internal politics in the Confederacy?

Absence of a two-party system. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the ironclad CSS Virginia not likely to make a difference in the Confederate's campaign?

It could not maneuver in waters where the blockade ships waited. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not true about the Union blockade?

It failed to make an impact on blockade runners. Signup and view all the answers

What was the South's greatest military advantage?

Its defense of its own territory. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was not a Confederate advantage?

The Confederate navy. Signup and view all the answers

To win the Civil War, the North had to

Defeat the armies of the Confederacy. Signup and view all the answers

How did England respond to the South's expectation of assistance?

England refused to break the Union blockade or grant diplomatic recognition to the Confederacy. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated most Confederate soldiers to serve in the army?

Defending property rights in slaves. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated most northern men to serve in the Union army?

Ending slavery once and for all. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Observations and Beliefs

Laura M. Towne observed that freed African Americans in her South Carolina classroom displayed a strong eagerness to learn.
Southerners sought to protect their liberty to own, buy, sell, and transport slaves through secession.
President Abraham Lincoln, in his inaugural address, declared intentions to leave slavery undisturbed in the Southern states.

Confederacy vs. United States Constitution

The Confederate Constitution explicitly stated white superiority over blacks.
"Cooperationists" from the Upper South preferred to remain in the Union if the Lincoln administration cooperated with slave states.

Compromises and Consequences

The Crittenden Compromise, if enacted, would have prevented Congress from barring slavery in new territories.
Following the Lower South's secession, Republicans viewed compromises as yielding to southern demands.

Key Events and Leaders

By spring 1861, most Southerners believed further compromise with the North was futile.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis appointed General P.G.T. Beauregard to take Fort Sumter, leading to its seizure.
The attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, was aimed at asserting Davis's authority.

Secession and Opposition

Lincoln's call for volunteers to suppress the rebellion led to the secession of Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Virginia stood out as the Confederate state with significant opposition to secession.

Military Terms and First Battles

The term "contraband" referred to runaway slaves captured by Union forces.
The first major clash between Union and Confederate forces was the Battle of Bull Run, also known as Manassas.
General George B. McClellan was the Union's commanding officer at the start of the Civil War.

Strategies and Roles

The Union's strategy to defeat the Confederacy was known as the Anaconda Plan, aimed at strangling resources.
Women served in the Civil War but were limited to noncombat roles.
Lincoln emphasized coordinated attacks to prevent Southern armies from assisting one another.

Confederate Leadership and Internal Affairs

Jefferson F. Davis was selected as president of the Confederate States, recognized as a moderate leader.
States' rights consistently created friction within the Confederate government.
Governors Joseph E. Brown and Zebulon Vance prioritized states' rights over Confederate success.

Political Dynamics and Military Challenges

The Confederacy notably lacked a two-party political system.
The ironclad ship CSS Virginia struggled to affect the Confederate campaign due to its limited maneuverability against the blockade.
The Union blockade was effective, countering the South's reliance on blockade runners.

Military Advantages and Motivations

The greatest military advantage for the South was defending its own territory.
The Confederate navy was not viewed as a significant advantage.
Northern soldiers were primarily motivated by the desire to end slavery, whereas most Confederate soldiers aimed to defend their property rights, including slavery.

International Relations

England made no move to assist the Confederacy, refusing to break the Union blockade or recognize it diplomatically.

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Description

This quiz explores key observations and beliefs surrounding the Civil War, including the perspectives of freed African Americans, the Confederacy's stance on slavery, and Abraham Lincoln's approach. Additionally, it examines significant compromises and pivotal events that shaped the conflict. Challenge your knowledge of this critical period in American history!