Civil War Overview and Lincoln's Speech

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary consequence of the Compromise of 1877 for the Southern states?

The end of military occupation in the South. (correct)

The implementation of new civil rights legislation.

The establishment of public schools for African Americans.

The redistribution of land to former slaves.

Which of the following actions did President Grant take that reflected his relationship with Congress?

Successfully passed the Civil Rights Bill without opposition.

Secured funding for the KKK to limit black rights.

Vetoed the extension of the Freedmen's Bureau. (correct)

Supported the impeachment of Thaddeus Stevens.

What characterized the Southern governments after Reconstruction according to the 'redeemer' administrations?

An emphasis on voting rights for women and minorities.

A restoration of pre-Civil War social structures. (correct)

A coalition of black and white politicians in governance.

A focus on industrial development and modernization.

What legislation was passed to attempt to protect the rights of African Americans post-Civil War?

The Civil Rights Acts of 1870 and 1875. Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge did Reconstruction face due to the actions of groups like the KKK?

Diminishment of political equality for blacks. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major outcome of the Union's military strategy during the Civil War?

Out-supplied the Confederacy Signup and view all the answers

Which act aimed at improving higher education during the war by providing land grants?

Morrill Act Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred just days after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse?

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln Signup and view all the answers

Which group wanted to negotiate peace with the South during the Civil War?

Copperheads Signup and view all the answers

What did Abraham Lincoln emphasize as his primary goal in the Civil War?

To preserve the Union Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Lincoln's view on slavery in relation to preserving the Union?

He believed slavery was secondary to the Union's survival. Signup and view all the answers

How did the war primarily affect the South economically?

Dramatic inflation and resource depletion Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation?

It transformed the character of the Civil War by changing its moral purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main dilemmas of Reconstruction?

Addressing the needs of freed slaves Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Union take in response to the Southern economy during the war?

Implementation of a Union blockade Signup and view all the answers

How did the Confederate states perceive Lincoln's actions at Fort Sumter?

As an act of aggression Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of Lincoln's assassination for the South?

Heightened antagonism from President Johnson Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Winfield Scott’s strategies during the Civil War?

Total Warfare Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the Emancipation Proclamation have on federal troops?

It empowered them to expand freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What ideology did the phrase 'a house divided against itself cannot stand' represent?

The unsustainable nature of a nation split between opposing views. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was exempt from the Emancipation Proclamation?

Slaves in the loyal border states Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Emancipation Proclamation regarding black soldiers?

It confirmed black men's participation in the Union Army and Navy. Signup and view all the answers

Which battle was noted for being the bloodiest single day in American history?

Antietam Signup and view all the answers

What key advantage did the Union gain from the Battle of Vicksburg?

Control of the Mississippi River. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?

To commemorate the fallen soldiers and reaffirm the principles of equality. Signup and view all the answers

Which battle prompted a significant shift in morale for both the North and the South?

Bull Run Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of General McClellan's failure to pursue Lee after the Battle of Antietam?

He was replaced by General Grant. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Sherman's forces employ during their march from Atlanta to Savannah?

Destruction of infrastructure and resources. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Emancipation Proclamation symbolize for the Union cause?

The integration of moral purpose into the war effort. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main argument of the Radical Republicans regarding the South's reintegration into the Union?

The South needed to be punished and required to fulfill strict criteria. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant requirement of the Wade-Davis Bill proposed by Radical Republicans?

50% of voters had to take oaths of allegiance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Freedmen’s Bureau established during Reconstruction?

To provide support and education for former slaves. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

13th Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What was a major change introduced by the Reconstruction Act of 1867?

To split the South into five military zones for governance. Signup and view all the answers

Which African American was one of the first U.S. Senators from Mississippi during Reconstruction?

Hiram Revels Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Union League during Reconstruction?

To educate members and promote Republican candidates. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary effect of the 15th Amendment ratified in 1870?

It granted all men the right to vote regardless of race. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lincoln's House Divided Speech

Lincoln argued that a nation divided against itself cannot survive, emphasizing the moral dilemma of slavery
He predicted the nation would either become entirely slave or entirely free
He did not expect the Union to dissolve, but believed the divided states would eventually become one or the other

The Civil War Begins (1861)

Lincoln won the 1860 election
South Carolina seceded from the Union following the election
The first major engagement of the Civil War was the Battle of Fort Sumter
Lincoln sent provisions, not reinforcements, to Fort Sumter, which the South viewed as an act of aggression
The Union garrison at Fort Sumter surrendered
The event electrified both the North and the South, solidifying support for their respective sides

1860 Strengths & Weaknesses Comparison

Union: larger population (22.1M vs 9.1M), more free people, more manufacturing output, more miles of railroad, more soldiers (2.1M vs 1.1M)
Confederacy: more agricultural production (cotton as example), greater dependence on the export of cotton, some manufacturing capabilities, fewer miles of railroads, fewer soldiers

Major Battles of the Civil War

The map depicts key Civil War battles, showing location, dates, and outcomes (Union or Confederate victory or indecisive battle)
Significant battles are marked across the North and the South

Union Strategies

The Civil War differed from previous conflicts because it involved a hostile people rather than just armies.
The goal was to make both rich and poor feel the hard hand of war
Winfield Scott's "Great Snake" strategy aimed at encircling the South
William T. Sherman's "Total War" sought to destroy the South's resources and morale (March to the Sea)

Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

Lincoln declared that slaves in rebellious states were free
This declaration did not apply to border states or areas already under Union control
The Emancipation Proclamation shifted the war to one for freedom and strengthened the Union's cause
It allowed African Americans to join the Union Army and Navy (almost 200,000 served)

Civil War Small Arms

This section details the types of firearms used by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the war

Battles

Bull Run (1861): Union retreat, shocking Northerners; morale boost for South
Antietam (1862): Lee's push into Border States, bloodiest single day, Confederate retreat
Vicksburg (1863): Union gained control of the Mississippi River
Gettysburg (1863): Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania; bloody three-day struggle resulting in over 50,000 deaths
Atlanta (1864): Sherman's campaign to defeat Confederate troops; city was burned and railroads, homes, and crops were destroyed

Gettysburg Address (1863)

A speech delivered by Lincoln at the dedication of a national cemetery
Lincoln discussed the ideals of liberty and equality at the center of the nation
He called to uphold the cause of the fight for freedom
Lincoln emphasized dedication to the nation to the cause that those who died for freedom would not have died in vain

Copperheads

This faction within the Union wanted to make peace with the South to end the war

1864 Election

Map of the 1864 election results showing the electoral votes and popular votes for Lincoln and McClellan.

Effects of the War

Union: tariffs benefited manufacturing, more opportunities for women overall, fluctuating economy, passed laws (Morrill Act, railroad acts, etc), increased taxes, national banking act
Confederacy: dramatic inflation, Union blockade, war destroyed Southern land and economy, civilians felt direct impact of war, lack of industrial strength, women wore homespun, and transportation system collapsed, 2 Billion in slaves emancipated

The End of the War

Union outsupplied the Confederacy
General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse
Lincoln was assassinated 5 days after the surrender by John Wilkes Booth

Lee's Surrender to Grant (1865)

Visual representation of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant

Reflect on the War

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Union and Confederacy

Reconstruction

This period followed the Civil War, focused on rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society

Dilemmas of Reconstruction

Questions surrounding how to rebuild the South, treat freed slaves, reintegrate the South into the Union, and determine who would control reconstruction: Southern states, the president, or Congress
The question of punishment for Confederate leaders was raised

Competing Reconstruction Plans

Lincoln's plan for reintegrating the states (a relatively leniant plan for the South after the war)
Radical Republicans' stricter plan (Wade-Davis Bill), demanding stronger safeguards for emancipation and punishment for Confederate leaders

Legislating Reconstruction

The Freedmen's Bureau: aimed at supporting former slaves (education, etc), success of the bureau;
Key Amendments: 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship rights), 15th (voting rights)

Opportunities for African Americans

During the war: served in segregated regiments
During Reconstruction: Union League, educating Black Americans, building Black churches & schools

Key Figures

Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant. Their differing approaches to Reconstruction led to significant political conflict

The End of Reconstruction

Compromise of 1877: a deal to resolve the election stalemate
The deal saw the end to the military presence enforcing Reconstruction in the Southern states.

Shortcomings of Reconstruction

Radical Republicans' desire to protect political equality for Black Americans was not achieved in its entirety
The rise of the KKK and Black Codes reinforced discrimination.
Sharecropping system continued which resembled slavery

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Description

Explore the pivotal events leading to the American Civil War, including Lincoln's House Divided Speech and the key developments in 1861. This quiz covers the implications of Lincoln's election, the secession of South Carolina, and a comparison of Union and Confederate strengths and weaknesses.