American Civil War Outbreak: Causes, Secession, and Key Events (1860–1861)

Fundamental Causes

The Civil War began in April 1861 due to various economic and social reasons.

Core Sectional Differences

The differences between the North and South were summarized by the conflict between Slave labor v. Free labor, Industry v. Agriculture, Urban v. Rural, North v. South.

Northern Position on Slavery

The central difference was that the North wanted to prevent the expansion of slavery.

1860 Presidential Election

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 on the Republican platform was a key political process.

Southern Reaction to Lincoln's Election

The South saw Lincoln's election as a threat to slavery, leading to discussions about secession.

Lincoln's Stance

Lincoln wanted to stop the expansion of slavery and stated that the Union must be kept.

President Buchanan's Response

Buchanan addressed Congress on the question of secession, stating the USA was a permanent union and that Lincoln's election did not justify secession.

Amendment on Property Rights of Slaves

Buchanan suggested Congress and the states should create an amendment regarding the property rights of slaves.

Secession of the Deep South

The likelihood of a state seceding increased with the percentage of slaves and its southern location.

First State to Secede

South Carolina was the first state to secede in December 1860.

Confederate States of America (CSA)

Six other slave states—Mississippi (1861), Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas—seceded in early 1861, forming the CSA.

CSA Leadership

Jefferson Davis was chosen as the CSA leader.

Withdrawal from Congress

Southern representatives withdrew from Congress, raising questions about control over federal property.

Fort Pickens and Fort Sumter

Focus was on control over federal property, personnel, and funds, particularly Fort Pickens (FL) and Fort Sumter (SC).

Attempts at Compromise (1860-1861)

Republicans frantically tried to stop secession.

Crittenden Compromise

Proposed six constitutional amendments, most importantly to restore the Missouri Compromise line and extend it to the Pacific Ocean, and to protect slavery in existing slave states.

Outcome of Crittenden Compromise

It failed because Republicans in Congress ensured its rejection, refusing to compromise on slavery.

Corwin Amendment

Proposed by Seward and Thomas Corwin (Ohio) in 1861 to guarantee that state-established institutions (like slavery) were protected from abolition by Congress. Passed by Congress but never ratified by individual states.

Peace Conference

A meeting in February 1861 attended by leading politicians as a response to meetings in southern states, aimed at keeping the South in the Union but ultimately did nothing to stop secession.

Fort Sumter

A federal fort in Charleston, South Carolina, considered 'rebel territory', where Union soldiers were occupied while Confederate soldiers surrounded it. The Confederate army attacked on April 12, 1861, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

Lincoln's Proclamation

After Fort Sumter, Lincoln requested 75,000 soldiers to defeat the rebellion of the seven seceding states, which backfired and led to the Upper South states leaving the Union.

Upper South Secession

States including Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee left the Union in April/May 1861 after Lincoln's request for soldiers, effectively giving resources to the Confederate army.

Virginia's Secession

Initially decided to stay in the Union but joined the CSA after being asked for 2,340 volunteers from its militia in response to Lincoln's army request.

West Virginia

Part of Virginia that remained loyal to the Union, forming the 35th state during the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln's Aims

To save the Union, protect it, and stop the spread of slavery. Initially focused on secession rather than slavery, preserving the Union as a primary goal.

Jefferson Davis's Aims

To achieve Southern independence, defend the Confederate States of America, and protect slavery, focusing on secession and giving the South a sense of purpose.

Beginning of Civil War

Marked by the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, after Union forces refused to surrender.

Impact of Lincoln's Decisions

Lincoln's actions at Fort Sumter and his call for troops led to the secession of four Upper South states and strengthened the Confederate army.

Context of Lincoln's War Focus

Lincoln aimed to present the war as a fight for unity to maintain loyalty among border states like Maryland.

Jefferson Davis's Strategy

Aimed to turn the conflict into a 'war of southern independence', focusing on secession while his Vice President emphasized slavery as a main issue.

Civil War on Eastern Seaboard

Much of the Civil War was fought for control over Virginia, highlighting its strategic importance.

Lincoln's Military Request

Lincoln's request for 75,000 soldiers was a response to the rebellion of the seceding states, which ultimately led to backlash and further secession.

Confederate Army Resources

The Upper South states contributed significant resources to the Confederate army after secession.

Seward's Role

Seward was one of the proponents of the Corwin Amendment, attempting to compromise over slavery.

Consequences of Fort Sumter

The decision to keep Fort Sumter supplied led to the Confederate attack and the start of the Civil War.

Lincoln's Preservation of the Union

Lincoln prioritized the preservation of the Union over the issue of slavery, framing the conflict as a struggle for national unity.

Davis's Leadership

Jefferson Davis provided leadership to the Confederacy, emphasizing the need for Southern unity and independence.