Civil War

What population advantage did the Union have?

The North had about 20 million people, while the South had about 9 million (including enslaved people).

Why did the Union have an industrial advantage?

The North had more factories and could produce more weapons, supplies, and equipment.

How did railroads and telegraphs help the Union?

They improved transportation, communication, and movement of troops and supplies.

What naval advantage did the Union have?

The Union controlled most of the U.S. Navy.

What weakness did the Union face early in the war?

Lincoln struggled to find effective generals before Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman.

What was the Anaconda Plan?

A Union strategy to blockade Southern ports, split the Confederacy along the Mississippi River, and capture Richmond.

Why did the Union blockade Southern ports?

To stop the South from exporting cotton and importing supplies.

Why was control of the Mississippi River important?

It would split the Confederacy in two and weaken Southern transportation and trade.

Why did the Confederacy have a geographic advantage?

Most battles were fought in the South, so Southern soldiers knew the land better.

Why were Confederate soldiers highly motivated?

They believed they were fighting to defend their homeland.

What was “King Cotton”?

The South believed cotton exports would provide money and gain European support.

Why was cotton important to Europe?

European textile factories depended on Southern cotton.

What military strategy did the Confederacy use?

Defend Southern territory and disrupt Union supply lines.

Why was the First Battle of Bull Run significant?

It was the first major battle of the Civil War.

Where was the First Battle of Bull Run fought?

Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C.

What did Bull Run reveal about the Civil War?

The war would be long, deadly, and difficult.

Who won the First Battle of Bull Run?

The Confederacy won, but failed to capture Washington, D.C.

What new technology appeared at Bull Run?

Accurate rifles, heavy artillery, mines, and early grenades.

Who became the leading Union general in the West?

Ulysses S. Grant.

What was Grant’s main goal in the West?

To gain control of the Mississippi River.

Why were Fort Henry and Fort Donelson important Union victories?

They gave the Union control of important rivers connected to the Mississippi.

Who led the Army of the Potomac?

George B. McClellan.

What was McClellan’s weakness as a general?

He was overly cautious and avoided decisive attacks.

Who fought at the Battle of Antietam?

George B. McClellan led the Union and Robert E. Lee led the Confederacy.

Why was the Battle of Antietam important?

It was the bloodiest single day in American history.

Approximately how many casualties occurred at Antietam?

About 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing.

What was the result of the Battle of Antietam?

Lee retreated back to Virginia, giving the Union a strategic victory.

Why did Lincoln remove McClellan from command?

McClellan failed to pursue Lee after Antietam.

What were the border states?

Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia.

Why were the border states important to the Union?

They provided soldiers, resources, and strategic locations.

Why was Lincoln cautious about slavery early in the war?

He feared the border states would secede if slavery became the main focus.

When did the Emancipation Proclamation take effect?

January 1, 1863.

What did the Emancipation Proclamation declare?

Enslaved people in Confederate territory were free.

Did the Emancipation Proclamation free enslaved people in border states?

No, it only applied to areas rebelling against the Union.

How did the Emancipation Proclamation affect the war?

It changed the war into a fight against slavery and allowed Black soldiers to join the Union Army.

What is habeas corpus?

The right to appear before a court before being jailed.

Why did Lincoln suspend habeas corpus?

To stop Confederate sympathizers and protect the Union during wartime.

Who were the Copperheads?

Northern Democrats who wanted peace with the Confederacy.

What did Chief Justice Roger B. Taney argue about Lincoln’s actions?

He argued only Congress could suspend habeas corpus.

What is conscription?

A government-required military draft.

Why did both sides use drafts?

Heavy casualties caused a shortage of volunteers.

What was the Enrollment Act of 1863?

A Union law requiring a draft in districts without enough volunteers.

How could wealthy people avoid the Union draft?

By paying $300 or hiring a substitute.

What caused the New York City Draft Riots?

Many poor and immigrant workers believed the draft was unfair.

Who participated most in the NYC Draft Riots?

Primarily Irish immigrants and poor workers.

Who were targeted during the Draft Riots?

Wealthy people and African Americans.

What did General Order 143 create?

The Bureau of Colored Troops.

How much of the Union Army was African American by the end of the war?

About 10%.

Why did Black soldiers face discrimination in the Union Army?

They were paid less and had fewer opportunities for promotion.

When did Congress equalize pay for Black soldiers?

1864.

Why did Black soldiers suffer higher death rates?

They often performed dangerous labor and were treated harshly if captured.

What happened at Fort Pillow in 1864?

Confederate troops killed many surrendered Black Union soldiers.

Why was the 54th Massachusetts Regiment important?

It was one of the first official African American Union regiments.

Who supported recruitment for the 54th Massachusetts Regiment?

Frederick Douglass.

Why was the attack on Fort Wagner significant?

The bravery of Black soldiers helped increase support for equality and abolition.

How did the Confederacy pay for the war?

By printing large amounts of money.

What economic problem resulted from printing too much money?

Extreme inflation.

How did the Union blockade hurt the South?

It prevented cotton exports and limited supplies.

How did emancipation weaken the Southern economy?

The South lost much of its enslaved labor force.

What shortages did the Confederacy face?

Food, weapons, clothing, shoes, and medical supplies.

Why was the Confederacy politically weak?

States often acted independently rather than working together as one nation.