Civil War Overview

Flashcards based on key concepts and events from the Civil War as noted in lecture.

Anaconda Plan

Lincoln's strategic plan consisting of three parts: blockade Southern ports, split the Confederacy by taking the Mississippi River, and capture Confederate capital Richmond.

Union Advantages

Stronger naval forces, superior industrial capacity, more eligible manpower, better transportation infrastructure, and leadership under Abraham Lincoln.

Confederacy Advantages

Familiarity with terrain, strong military tradition and generals, cotton production for profit, and home-field advantage.

Battle of Ft. Sumter (April 12, 1861)

First engagement of the Civil War; resulted in a Confederate victory and led to Lincoln calling for volunteers.

Battle of 1st Bull Run (July 21, 1861)

First major battle of the Civil War; Confederate victory highlighted the war's potential for bloodshed.

Battle of Shiloh (April 6, 1862)

Union victory that thwarted Confederate attempts to reclaim Tennessee.

Battle of Lower Mississippi (April 24, 1862)

Union victory that split the Confederacy and secured control over the Mississippi River.

Monitor vs. Merrimack (March 9, 1862)

The first battle between ironclad ships; ended in a draw and demonstrated new naval technology.

Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)

The bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history; allowed Lincoln to focus on abolishing slavery.

Ironclad Ships

Steam-powered warships protected by iron or steel armor plating, representing significant naval advancement during the Civil War.

Minie Ball

A type of bullet designed for rifled muskets, improving accuracy and lethality.