The Civil War and Reconstruction Era

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the major events, strategic plans, battles, causes, effects, and Reconstruction policies of the American Civil War.

Anaconda Plan

The Union's naval strategy to cut off all supplies to the South using massive naval blockades.

Ironclads

Warships heavily armored with iron that were deployed by both sides during the Civil War.

Battle of Bull Run / Manassas

The first major battle of the Civil War, which resulted in a Confederate victory.

Battle of Antietam

The bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history, resulting in 12,000 Union casualties and 13,000 Confederate casualties.

Radical Republicans

A group of lawmakers who supported civil rights for African Americans and argued that Black Codes were unjust and cruel.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

Act approved by Congress that provided African Americans the same rights as white citizens.

Reconstruction Acts

Laws that divided the South, supported constitutional amendments, and limited the power of the president.

First Impeachment

The process of putting a public official on trial, which in this era resulted in President Johnson being removed.

Election of 1868

Presidential election won by Republican candidate Ulysses Grant.

The Union (North)

The Northern states led by President Lincoln, featuring a manufacturing-driven economy and utilizing steamboats.

The Confederacy (South)

The Southern states led by President Jefferson Davis, featuring an economy driven by crops and slavery.

Lincoln's Inauguration (March 1861)

Abraham Lincoln taking office as the first Republican president, delivering messages of conciliation and warning.

Attack on Fort Sumter

On April 12, 1861, Confederate President Jefferson Davis ordered a strike and Fort Sumter was fired upon, starting the Civil War.

Causes of the Civil War

Disagreements over the institution of slavery, economic differences, and political differences between the North and South.

Effects of the Civil War

The end of slavery, 620,000 Americans killed, the creation of military districts, and the Southern economy left in ruins.

Target Vicksburg

A critical strategic location in the Mississippi River valley based on the tactical rule: control the water, control the war.

Mississippi River Valley Union Advance

The Union's strategic movement through Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Shiloh toward Vicksburg, combined with river blockades near New Orleans.