APUSH Chapter 15

Crittenden Proposal

Last-minute compromise attempt in 1860 to save the Union, including provisions like slavery prohibition above 36°30’, no federal interference with Southern slavery, and state choice of free or slave status upon entry.

Confederate States of America

Initially comprised of 7 states seceding in 1860-1861, motivated by political imbalance, Republican Party's stance on slavery, and perceived constitutional right to secede.

Lincoln’s 1st Inaugural Address

Lincoln's promises in March 1861 not to interfere with existing slavery, enforce federal laws, or initiate conflict unless provoked, while labeling secession illegal.

Five Civilized Tribes

Indigenous tribes in Indian Territory during the Civil War, with conflicting support for the Confederacy and Union, and involvement in slavery.

Border States

Slave states like Kentucky that did not secede, potentially increasing Southern population and industrial capacity if they had seceded.

Fort Sumter

Site of the first shots of the Civil War in April 1861, after South Carolina demanded its surrender and Lincoln's refusal led to its bombardment and surrender.

First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861)

Battle where Union troops were defeated, leading to renewed Northern determination and overconfidence in the South.

Southern Advantages in 1861

Defensive fighting, morale boost from self-preservation, talented officers, outdoor lifestyle aiding military transition, and independence secured through stalemate.

Northern Advantages in 1861

Stronger economy, superior navy for blockades, more railroads, larger manpower, abundant factories, and skilled political leaders.

Failure of King Cotton

Assumption of British support due to cotton demand, countered by British working class favoring the North, surplus cotton, and need for Northern food supplies.

George B. McClellan

Union general excelling in army training but hesitant in attacking, underestimating enemy forces.

Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson

Renowned Confederate general known for standing firm at Bull Run and pivotal role in the Southern forces.

Ironclads

Merrimack & Monitor:First ironclad naval battle during the Civil War, involving the Confederate Merrimack and Union Monitor, foreshadowing the end of wooden warships.

Battle of Antietam

September 1862 battle halting Lee's invasion, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation and preventing European intervention.

Ulysses S. Grant

Union general known for victories in Tennessee, criticized for losses but effective in grinding down Confederate forces.

Confederate Draft

Instituted in 1862 for men seventeen to fifty, allowing exemptions for the wealthy and slave overseers, leading to protests of being a "rich man's war but a poor man's fight."

Difficulties Governing the CSA

Challenges faced by Jefferson Davis in ruling the Confederacy due to states' rights principles and lack of political persuasion skills.

Homestead Act (1862)

Granting 160 acres of land to settlers living on it for five years, was facilitated by Republican dominance in Congress.

National Banking Act (1863)

Created a national banking system to finance the Union war effort and stabilize currency.

Union Draft (Enrollment Act)

Enacted in 1863, leading to riots in New York City, where the wealthy could buy exemptions, and poor Irish protested against the draft.

Lincoln Stretching the Constitution

Lincoln's actions during the war exceeding constitutional powers to save the Union, including increasing army size and suspending habeas corpus.

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and Clara Barton

They contributed to organizing medical aid and transforming nursing, empowering women post-war.

Emancipation Proclamation (Jan. 1863)

Freed slaves in Confederate states, boosted Northern morale and weakened the Southern war effort.

Fall of Vicksburg (July 1863)

Grant's victory which gave the Union control of the Mississippi and influenced British and French decisions regarding the South.

Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863)

Turning point of the war, halting Lee's advance and ensuring Southern defeat.

Gettysburg Address (1863)

Lincoln's speech emphasizing democracy and equality, redefining the war's purpose beyond Union preservation.

The Trent Affair

A Union warship stopped a British ship, the Trent, and removed two Confederate diplomats, leading to British outrage and a potential conflict that was resolved by Lincoln's decision to release the prisoners.

The Alabama

A British-made warship that fought for the Confederacy, destroying numerous Northern ships before being sunk in 1864, prompting US Ambassador Charles Francis Adams to convince the British to cease building ships for the South.

Laird Rams

Confederate warships built in Britain with iron rams and heavy guns that could have broken the Union blockade; the sale of these ships to the South was prevented by Ambassador Adams, leading England to purchase them for the Royal Navy.

Maximilian in Mexico

French intervention in Mexico during the Civil War, culminating in the rule of Austrian Archduke Maximilian as a French puppet, which was later opposed by the US, showcasing American resolve and enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine.

Black Union Soldiers

African Americans were initially barred from enlisting in the Union forces but were later allowed to serve, with around 180,000 joining the Union army, highlighting the significant contribution of black soldiers during the Civil War.

"Remember Fort Pillow"

Black Union soldiers captured by the South were mistreated, with many put to death as slaves in revolt, exemplified by the infamous massacre at Fort Pillow that inspired black troops.

William Tecumseh Sherman & Fall of Atlanta

General Sherman's capture of Atlanta in September 1864, which boosted Lincoln's reelection campaign and marked a significant turning point in the Civil War.

Concept of Total War

General Sherman's strategy of destroying resources in his March to the Sea through Georgia to weaken the Confederate army and its morale, illustrating the brutal nature of warfare during the Civil War.

Election of 1864

The contentious election where Lincoln faced challenges within his party, leading to his reelection aided by Northern victories and questionable voting practices, highlighting the political climate during the Civil War.

Copperheads

Extreme Northern peace Democrats who opposed the war and Lincoln's policies, with notable figures like Clement Vallandigham, reflecting the internal divisions within the North during the Civil War.

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural (Mar. 1865)

Lincoln offered the South an opportunity to move ahead with the North without severe punishment.

Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House

In April 1865, Grant finally cornered Lee’s worn and hungry army and gave generous terms to the South.

Results of the Civil War

600,000 dead, slavery abolished, executive power expanded, industrialization accelerated in the north