Civil War Overview and South's Reasoning

The Confederate States of America believed they could secure aid from Britain due to their control of 60% of the cotton supply used in British textile production. This belief, coupled with their perceived military superiority and assumption of Northern apathy, fueled their confidence in a Southern victory.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, despite both Lincoln and Davis's initial desire to avoid war. This event marked the beginning of the conflict, leading to the secession of the South and the establishment of two distinct nations within the United States.

The Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was a significant early battle of the Civil War. It was a Confederate victory, showcasing the strength of their army and exposing the Union's unpreparedness. The defeat led to the appointment of General George McClellan as commander of the Army of the Potomac and solidified Stonewall Jackson's military reputation.

General Robert E. Lee, a highly respected figure in the U.S. Army, faced a crucial decision at the start of the Civil War: to serve the Union or the Confederacy. Despite his initial loyalty to the Union, Lee ultimately chose to fight for his home state of Virginia, aligning himself with the Confederacy.

The Anaconda Plan was the Union's three-pronged strategy to defeat the Confederacy. It involved blockading Southern ports, splitting the Confederacy at the Mississippi River, and ultimately capturing Richmond, the Confederate capital. This plan aimed to strangle the South economically and militarily.

Lincoln's response to the secession crisis was to call for 75,000 volunteers, suspend Habeas Corpus, and establish a naval blockade. By suspending Habeas Corpus, he granted military commanders the authority to arrest individuals deemed threatening to military operations without judicial review.

Abraham Lincoln's decision to send ships to Fort Sumter, despite his initial hesitation, ultimately triggered the start of the Civil War. Confederate forces bombarded the fort for days, forcing its surrender. This event solidified the conflict and marked the beginning of a long and bloody war.

The Southern states felt entitled to leave the Union due to their belief that slavery was constitutional and should be protected. They crafted a new constitution safeguarding slavery and considered their act of secession as a valid exercise of states' rights.

After the Civil War, the process of rebuilding the South and integrating freed African Americans into society was known as Reconstruction.

The 13th Amendment formally ended slavery in the United States. It was one of the main goals of Reconstruction.

The 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves.

The 15th Amendment prohibited states from denying the right to vote based on race.

After the Civil War, the South enacted laws called Black Codes to restrict the freedom of African Americans. These laws aimed to limit their ability to vote, own property, and achieve economic independence.

The Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist terrorist group, emerged during Reconstruction. It used violence and intimidation to undermine Reconstruction efforts and prevent African Americans from exercising newly gained rights.

Despite the progress made during Reconstruction, the South ultimately reverted back to segregation and discrimination against African Americans. This period is known as the Jim Crow era, characterized by widespread segregation and disenfranchisement.

The 1876 presidential election was one of the most contentious in American history. The outcome was ultimately decided by a controversial deal that effectively ended federal protection for African Americans in the South. This deal allowed Southern Democrats to return to power and pave the way for the Jim Crow era.

A pivotal battle fought in Maryland, known for being the bloodiest day in American history, with over 23,000 casualties. General Lee's plans for invading the North were discovered by Union scouts, leading to McClellan's army stopping his advance.

A presidential proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territory would be freed. This aimed to weaken the Confederacy and prevent foreign intervention.

A Confederate victory with significant Union losses, severely affecting Union morale. This battle was marked by Union struggles to cross a river quickly, leading to setbacks.

Considered the turning point of the Civil War, with a Union victory and heavy losses for the Confederacy. This three-day battle was marked by a disastrous Confederate attack, known as Pickett's Charge, that resulted in a significant loss of Confederate forces.

A siege led by General Grant to gain control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two. Grant's strategic approach resulted in a decisive Union victory and the capture of 30,000 Confederate troops.

A speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of a national cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This speech commemorated the fallen soldiers, reiterating the principles of equality and freedom.

The appointment of Ulysses S. Grant as general-in-chief of the Union forces by Abraham Lincoln. Grant's aggressive and devastating war tactics, focusing on destroying the Confederate infrastructure and resources, earned him the nickname 'butcher of men.'

Lincoln's re-election as President of the United States, with his opponent being George McClellan, who advocated for peace negotiations with the South. Lincoln's victory solidified the Union's commitment to ending slavery and preserving the nation.

A prolonged siege led by General Grant to isolate and capture Petersburg, a key supply center for the Confederate capital, Richmond. This siege, characterized by trench warfare and a war of attrition, culminated in the capture of Petersburg and Richmond, significantly weakening the Confederacy.

A devastating campaign led by General Sherman, who marched his Union troops from Atlanta to Savanna, Georgia. This scorched earth tactic involved destroying Confederate infrastructure and resources, inflicting economic and psychological damage on the South. While achieving military success, Sherman's actions sparked criticism for their lack of moral compass.

The surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. This event marked the end of the Civil War and began the process of national reconciliation.

The period following the Civil War focused on rebuilding the South, integrating Confederate states back into the Union, and ensuring the enforcement of new laws regarding civil rights and slavery. However, this period was fraught with challenges and saw the rise of discriminatory practices, escalating tensions, and social unrest.

The violent and discriminatory actions of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a white supremacist organization established during Reconstruction. The KKK targeted African Americans and white sympathizers, using intimidation, violence, and terrorism to undermine Reconstruction efforts and maintain white supremacy.

A speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the beginning of his second term as President. In this address, Lincoln addressed the ongoing Civil War and emphasized the importance of achieving national unity and healing the wounds of war. He also made clear his commitment to the abolition of slavery.