The Civil War: Key Events and Figures

Flashcards about the American Civil War

Who was Jefferson Davis?

President of the Confederate States of America.

What is Fort Sumter?

The location where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on 04/12/1861.

What event forced the federal forces to surrender Fort Sumter?

General Beauregard's men shelling the fort, leading to its surrender to the Confederacy.

Which states chose to secede after Fort Sumter?

Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas

Which slave-holding states chose to remain in the Union?

Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware

What did West Virginia do when Virginia chose to secede?

They broke off from Virginia, formed the state of West Virginia, and remained in the Union.

What advantages did the North have at the start of the Civil War?

The North had a greater population, more manufacturing, and 70% of the nation's railroad tracks.

What advantages did the South have at the start of the Civil War?

The South was fighting a defensive war on their home territory with protected supply lines.

What did the Confederate States of America have to create as a new nation?

Government offices, a constitution, and a post office.

What actions did Lincoln take after Fort Sumter without congressional approval?

Expanded the army and navy, suspended habeas corpus, and ordered a naval blockade of the South.

Who led the Union and Confederate troops at the First Battle of Bull Run?

General Erwin McDowell led the Union troops, and General PGT Beauregard led the Confederate troops.

What was the significance of the First Battle of Bull Run?

Also known as the First Battle of Manassas, it resulted in a Confederate victory and showed that both sides were poorly trained.

Why was Confederate General Thomas Jackson known as Stonewall Jackson?

He earned the nickname "Stonewall" for his actions during the battle.

Whom did Lincoln replace looking for a commander who could win the war?

Lincoln replaced General McDowell with General George McClellan.