Chapter 20 Girding for War: The North and the South 1861-1865

Secession

The act of withdrawing formally from membership in a federation or body, particularly in a political context. In the lead-up to the American Civil War, eleven Southern states seceded from the Union, resulting in increased tensions and the eventual outbreak of war.

Fort Sumter

A sea fort located in Charleston, South Carolina, famously known for the location where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired on April 12, 1861, marking the start of armed conflict between the North and the South.

Submissionists

A term applied to the 11 states that seceded from the Union but were hesitant to escalate the conflict further. They sought a return to the Union without further bloodshed, reflecting the deep divisions and fears of widespread violence.

Border States

Slave states that remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War, including Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia. Their status was crucial as they provided strategic locations and resources to the Union.

King Cotton

A term that encapsulates the economic strategy of the Southern states during the Civil War, highlighting their dependence on cotton production as the primary cash crop. The South believed that its inability to export cotton would force the Northern states and other countries to recognize the Confederacy.

King Wheat

A term used to emphasize the North's agricultural strength in wheat production. While the South relied heavily on cotton, the North's capabilities in wheat became significant as they supplied not only their troops but also aided in feeding populations during the war.

Trent Affair

An international diplomatic incident that occurred in late 1861 when the Union navy captured a British mail steamer, the RMS Trent, which had Confederate diplomats aboard. This incident nearly escalated into war between the United States and Great Britain.

Confederate Diplomats

Representatives sent by the Confederate States of America to foreign nations in hopes of securing allies and recognition. Their efforts were critically important as the Confederacy sought to bolster its resources and legitimacy on the world stage.

Dominion of Canada

The federal structure established in 1867, which provided Canada with self-governing powers within the British Empire. This political development represented a significant move towards autonomy, influenced by the shifting political climate and the desire for stability following the American Civil War.

Jefferson Davis

The President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, who faced immense challenges in unifying the South and directing its war efforts. His leadership was marked by struggles with governance, military strategy, and waning support.

Habeas Corpus

A legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention. During the Civil War, President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus to detain suspected Confederate sympathizers and maintain public order, raising significant constitutional questions about civil liberties during wartime.

Morrill Tariff Act

An act passed in 1861 that elevated import tariffs to protect Northern industries against foreign competition and generate revenue for the Union war efforts. This policy exemplified the North’s use of economic measures to strengthen their position during the conflict.

Greenback Currency

Paper money issued by the Union, not backed by gold or silver, but rather the government's credit, which was necessary to finance the Union’s war expenses. This currency’s introduction contributed to inflation and economic instability.

National Banking System

Established during the Civil War to create a standardized currency, this system aimed to stabilize the economy by regulating banks and issuing government bonds to finance the war. It marked a significant shift in federal involvement in the banking sector.

Blue-Backed Paper Money

Currency printed by the Confederate government that led to hyperinflation due to excessive printing to fund the war, significantly undermining the Confederate economy and trust in their currency.

U.S. Sanitary Commission

An organization established during the Civil War, primarily by women, to provide medical assistance and supplies to Union soldiers. Their work highlighted the role of women in support efforts and the growing need for organized medical care in wartime.

Economic Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership of production and resources, where profit motives drive business decisions. This system significantly influenced the economic disparities between the industrial North and the agrarian South during the Civil War.

Fifty-Niners

Individuals who flocked to Pennsylvania following the discovery of petroleum in 1859, symbolizing the onset of the oil boom and reflecting broader economic changes occurring in the United States at the time.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States who aimed to preserve the Union during the Civil War. His leadership decisions, including the Emancipation Proclamation, reshaped the nation's approach to slavery and civil rights.

Robert E. Lee

A prominent Confederate general who commanded the Army of Northern Virginia and became known for his tactical prowess and leadership during critical battles. His strategies impacted major Civil War engagements and influenced subsequent military tactics.

Thomas J. 'Stonewall' Jackson

A key Confederate general recognized for his exceptional military tactics and his ability to inspire troops. Jackson’s actions during the Civil War, particularly in the First Battle of Bull Run, earned him a legendary status.

Cotton Capitalism

An economic model heavily reliant on cotton production tied to slavery, which suffered greatly during the Civil War as supply lines were disrupted and international recognition was lacking, contributing to the South's economic downfall.

Military Draft

A conscription system enacted by both the North and South during the Civil War, requiring citizens to serve in the military. The draft sparked public protest and discontent, illustrating the societal impacts of the conflict.

Federal Territories

Regions governed directly by the federal government rather than individual states. The status of these territories during the Civil War intersected with issues of slavery and statehood, influencing political debates.

Fugitive-Slave Issue

A contentious topic that revolved around the return of escaped enslaved individuals, causing friction between Northern states that opposed slavery and Southern slaveholders. This issue became a critical point of conflict in the lead-up to the Civil War.

War-time Liberties

The restrictions placed on civil liberties by the government during wartime, including censorship and the curtailment of rights, often justified by the necessity of national security during the Civil War.

Union Naval Blockades

A military strategy employed by the North to prevent the flow of supplies and reinforcements to the Confederacy via waterways. These blockades aimed to weaken the Confederate economy and their ability to sustain the war effort.

Inflation

A situation where the prices of goods increase and the purchasing power of currency falls, notably impacting the Confederate economy where excessive printing of currency led to rampant inflation and economic instability.

Military Provisions

Essential supplies, such as food, ammunition, and medical resources necessary for the sustenance of military forces. The logistics of providing these provisions greatly affected the effectiveness and morale of both Union and Confederate troops.

Civil War Jobs for Women

As men left for war, women stepped into roles traditionally held by them, taking jobs in factories, nursing, and other sectors, which played a significant role in changing gender roles and perceptions in society.

Civil War Diplomacy

The active efforts by both the Union and Confederacy to secure foreign recognition and support, with differing degrees of success that influenced the international landscape and outcomes of the war.

Confederate Congress

The legislative body governing the Confederate States of America, which faced immense challenges in unifying the Southern states under a cohesive government and managing resources for the war effort alongside President Davis.

Union Strategy

The various plans and military tactics developed by Northern states to achieve victory over the Confederacy. These strategies included military offensives, controlling key territories, and implementing economic blockades to undermine the South's capacity to fight.