Politics and Economics of the Civil War

Authorized the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, connecting Omaha and Sacramento.

Granted 160 acres of land to farmers who worked it for five years for a small registration fee..

Gave public land to states to establish colleges focusing on agriculture and mechanical arts.

The Civil War was funded by higher tariffs, excise taxes, and the first federal income tax.

Paper money issued by the federal government during the war that served as legal tender.

The opportunity and action of making money by exploiting wartime conditions.

Increased to almost $3 Billion due to wartime bonds sales.

The Confederacy struggled with finances during the Civil War. They relied heavily on printed money (Confederate dollars), which rapidly lost value due to inflation, causing prices to skyrocket.

The Union funded the war effort through various methods, including taxes, selling bonds, and printing 'greenbacks' - a form of paper money that became legal tender.

A cheap, low-quality fabric made from compressed rag fibers, used for uniforms during the Civil War, leading to the term 'shoddy' becoming synonymous with poor quality.

At the beginning of the war, the North's primary objective was to preserve the Union - to prevent the Southern states from seceding.

In his first inaugural address, Lincoln made it clear that he had no intention of interfering with slavery in states where it already existed.

This right, which protects individuals from unlawful detention, was suspended by Lincoln during the war, allowing for the arrests of people suspected of disloyalty without formal charges.

During the war, the Union used military courts to try civilians accused of crimes against the Union, bypassing regular civilian court systems.

This Supreme Court case in 1866 ruled that the use of military courts to try civilians was unconstitutional, marking a limit on wartime powers.

The war led to a significant rise in prices, especially in the South, where the Confederate currency quickly lost value due to excessive printing and a lack of trust.

A three-day battle in July 1863, marking a crucial turning point in the Civil War, resulting in a major Confederate defeat.

A major Confederate assault on Union lines during the Battle of Gettysburg, ultimately failing with heavy casualties.

A key Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River, surrendered to Union forces in July 1863, effectively splitting the Confederacy.

Appointed commander of all Union forces in 1864, known for his aggressive strategies and fighting a war of attrition.

A military strategy focused on gradually weakening an enemy through constant attacks and heavy casualties, regardless of cost.

Crucial industrial center captured by Union forces under Sherman in September 1864, paving the way for the 'March to the Sea.'

A devastating campaign by Union General Sherman in late 1864, targeting Confederate resources and infrastructure in Georgia.

A long and brutal siege conducted by Grant's forces against Confederate troops under Lee in 1864 and 1865, ultimately contributing to Lee's surrender.

Key battles fought between Grant and Lee in 1864, marked by heavy casualties and Grant's commitment to fighting a war of attrition.

The Union won due to superior resources, industrial capacity, and leadership under strong generals like Grant. Ultimately, the Confederacy was outmatched in manpower, supply, and overall strategy.

This law allowed captured or runaway slaves who had been used by the Confederacy to support the Union effort instead. It marked a shift toward weakening slavery's grip.

This act brought real freedom to slaves belonging to those actively fighting against the Union. It was a significant step towards emancipation.

Lincoln proposed a long-term plan to end slavery in the slave states remaining in the Union. The aim was to pacify these states.

In his inaugural address, Lincoln stressed he would not interfere with slavery in states where it already existed. His focus was primarily on preserving the Union.

Although initially reluctant, Lincoln's stance on slavery evolved as the war progressed. He eventually issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confederate states.

A military strategy employed by General William T. Sherman during the Civil War, targeting not just enemy troops but also civilian infrastructure, resources, and property. This aimed to cripple the Confederacy's ability to wage war by destroying its economic base and morale.

The presidential election during the Civil War, where Abraham Lincoln ran for re-election against the Democratic candidate, General George McClellan. Lincoln's platform emphasized the unconditional surrender of the Confederacy and the abolition of slavery.

Abraham Lincoln secured a second term as president in 1864, despite a challenging war and political climate. His victory was fueled by key military victories and public support for his war efforts.

The surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia on April 9, 1865. This marked a turning point in the Civil War, signaling the imminent end of the Confederacy.

Andrew Johnson was Lincoln's Vice President and succeeded him upon his assassination. He played a crucial role in reconstruction, but his lenient policies toward the South led to conflicts with Congress.

Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy, was captured by Union forces in April 1865, marking a significant blow to the Confederacy and its ability to govern.

Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his army to Union General William T. Sherman near Durham, North Carolina, on April 26, 1865. This marked the end of significant Confederate resistance in the South.

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, by John Wilkes Booth, an actor sympathizing with the Confederacy. His death sent shockwaves through the nation and left a void in leadership during the Reconstruction era.

A military strategy that aims to cripple the enemy by destroying their resources, infrastructure, and civilian morale. This strategy goes beyond traditional military targets and includes a broader scope of destruction.

A political platform emphasizing an immediate end to war and negotiations. This platform was often adopted by political parties or candidates seeking to avoid further conflict.