American Civil War Flashcards

Flashcards on the American Civil War

Siege of Vicksburg

Last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River, captured by the Union on July 4, 1863, after a long siege led by Grant.

Total War

Military strategy used by Sherman involving the destruction of anything that supported the enemy, including rail lines, crops, and towns.

Appomattox Court House

Small Virginia town where Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.

Battle of Gettysburg

Turning point of the war for the Union. Lee retreated back to Virginia with over 50,000 men from both sides losing their lives.

Fort Sumter

Union-held fort in South Carolina where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861, after Confederate forces attacked.

First Battle of Bull Run

Early Confederate victory that shocked the North and made them realize they had underestimated their opponent.

Antietam

Battle in September 1862 where Union troops stopped Lee and his army after discovering Lee's campaign plans.

Battle of Shiloh

Union victory at a high cost and many casualties.

Cavalry

Soldiers on horseback.

Seven Days' Battle

Week-long battle where McClellan retreated.

Battle of Antietam

South tried to attack in the North to force peace talks.

The Anaconda Plan

The Union's strategy to cut the Confederacy in two and gain control of the Mississippi River.

Pickett's Charge

Lee ordered a direct attack on the Union line but ran into heavy fire and retreated

Ulysses S. Grant

Union general appointed by Lincoln to finish Lee once and for all

Robert E. Lee

Confederate General - didn't really want to secede but was loyal to Virginia

William T. Sherman

Pushed through the deep south in "total war" destroying anything that could help the enemy

Civil War

Began when southerners decided to block federal supplies from reaching Ft. Sumter.

Border States

Slave states that bordered states in which slavery was legal.

King Cotton

Southern strategy that believed their cotton would help them win foreign support.

Anaconda Blockade

When armed forces prevent the transportation of goods or people in and out of an area.

First battle of Bull Run

Surprising Confederate victory, the north realized they underestimated the southerners

Rifle

A gun with a grooved barrel that causes a bullet to spin through the air.

Minie Ball

A bullet with a hollow base that expands upon firing.

Ironclad

Warships covered with iron.