Civil War Lecture Notes Review

Flashcards reviewing key people, battles, and issues in the Civil War as discussed in the lecture notes.

Why was General McClellan ultimately replaced by Lincoln?

McClellan was overly cautious and slow to act, frustrating Lincoln's desire for decisive action against the Confederacy.

Who was appointed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia for the Confederacy?

General Robert E. Lee

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

It resulted in another Confederate victory due to Lee's strategy of dividing his forces, further delaying the end of the war.

What opportunity did McClellan miss before the Battle of Antietam, and what was the result?

McClellan hesitated for sixteen hours after learning Lee had divided his army, allowing Lee to reassemble his army at Antietam Creek.

Why was the Battle of Antietam significant despite being a Union victory?

It was the single bloodiest day of the war, but McClellan's failure to decisively defeat Lee led to his replacement by General Ambrose Burnside.

What geographical challenge did Burnside face at Fredericksburg?

He had to cross the Rappahannock River, and he waited for pontoon bridges.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Fredericksburg under Burnside's command?

A devastating defeat for the Union due to the Confederates' strong defensive position, resulting in heavy Union casualties and low morale.

What was the strategic goal of the Union army in the Western theater of the Civil War?

To dominate Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee and control the Mississippi River in order to split the South in two.

What was General Ulysses S. Grant's nickname, and how did he earn it?

Unconditional Surrender Grant; he earned it by demanding unconditional surrender when he captured Forts Henry and Donaldson.

What factors led to the high number of casualties at the Battle of Shiloh?

Surprise attack, insufficient battlefield care, exposure to rainstorms, and infected wounds.

What was 'cotton diplomacy,' and why did it fail?

The South's attempt to gain European recognition and aid by leveraging their cotton exports; it failed because Europe found other sources for cotton and didn't want to get involved in the war.

How did both the Union and Confederacy address their monetary problems during the war?

Both sides printed paper money, which led to inflation.

What was a key point of social tension regarding the draft in the Confederacy?

Planters who owned more than 20 slaves could get an exemption from military service, creating class tension.

What was the main initial goal of the Civil War for the Union, according to Lincoln?

To save the Union by preventing the South from seceding.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation, and what did it declare?

A proclamation issued by Lincoln after the Battle of Antietam, stating that unless rebellious states returned to the Union by January 1, 1863, their slaves would be declared forever free.

What was the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation despite its limited immediate impact?

It changed the reason for the war, making it about slavery and signaling to slaves in the Confederacy that a Union victory meant their freedom.