American Civil War study guide

5 causes of the civil war

Slavery, states’ rights, economic differences, political events and failures, election of Abraham Lincoln, sectionalism.

Why was the debate between slaves states and free states such a problematic issue before the Civil War?

People were worried since an imbalance of slave states and free states would mean one is dominant or powerful than the other, leading to conflicts over policies and representation in Congress. Constant decisions had to be made about maintaining balance on both sides as the US expanded westward.

What was the Missouri Compromise and how did it “patch up” relations between the North and the South?

This was where Missouri became a slave state and Maine became a free state in order to keep the balance of slave and free states.

What is sectionalism and how does it relate to the civil war?

Sectionalism is where citizens feel they identify with a certain group of the country instead of the country as a whole. This divided the North and South, creating feelings that they did not have a lot in common.

What is the meaning of secession in the civil war?

The act of states separating. In this case, the south separated from the north to create the Confederate States of America, removing themselves from the Union and no longer being a part of the nation as a whole.

What were the two opposing sides in the Civil war?

The Union and the Confederacy (North and South)

What is an abolitionist?

Someone who supports and works toward getting rid of slavery.

Who was Frederick Douglas?

He was a famous abolitionist who advised President Lincoln, supported the Emancipation Proclamation and an author.

Who won the Election of 1860 and what candidates were involved?

Abraham Lincoln was the winner and the South didn’t like this. Other candidates were John Bell, Stephen Douglas, and John C. Breckenridge.

What was the significance of the 1860 election?

The South was left angry and it led to secession because the Southern states didn’t support Lincoln.

What was Lincoln’s primary motivation in fighting the Civil War?

Preserve the Union and keep the United States as a whole. Slavery concerns were a close second.

What were FIVE big differences between Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis?

Ideology, leadership style, temperament, background, and outcomes.

What advantages did the North have in the Civil War?

1. Greater Population - more people and military aged men

2. Industrial capacity - more ability to produce goods in factories.

3. Superior Transportation Network- better railroad system and ability to haul supplies.

4. More Developed Economy- better finances and banking.

5. Stronger Navy- more and better ships, ability to block Southern imports and exports.

What advantages did the south have in the civil war?

Defensive War- “the defender’s advantage.” Better to defend and not need to conquer enemy territory.

Military Leadership- better and more experienced generals to lead troops.

Motivated Soldiers- defending their homes, land, and pride.

Skilled Cavalry- skilled horseman with the ability to flank enemy armies.

Home-Field Advantage- know their own territory, unlike the invading troops.

What was the Anaconda Plan?

Union strategy to defeat the South divided into three parts:

1.Union navy would “block” Southern ports, preventing them from importing or exporting goods.

2. Control the Mississippi River with riverboats to divide the Confederacy in two.

3. Capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation?

Issued by Lincoln, it freed the slaves in the South but not in the border states. Very influential decision that led to the permanent abolition of slavery and was a “military necessity.” (African-Americans could now serve in the Union army.)

Which battle sparked the beginning of hostilities in the Civil War?

The Battle of Fort Sumter

What was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War?

The Battle of Antietam

What was perhaps the most famous battle of the Civil War?

Battle of Gettysburg

What was the name of the poem we read about a Civil War soldier paying tribute to his friend that was killed?

“Only a Private Killed” by Hanford L. Gordon

What was the name of the location where General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army?

Appomattox Court House

What were the casualty numbers for the American Civil War?

Around 750,000.

What Amendment to the Constitution finally abolished slavery?

The 13^th Amendment

Who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln?

John Wilkes Booth