Civil War Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and leaders related to the Civil War in American history.

Emancipation Proclamation

An executive order issued by Lincoln that changed the legal status of more than 3 million enslaved people in the rebelling states.

Fort Sumter

The fort in Charleston, SC, where Confederate forces attacked, officially starting the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln

The President of the Union during the Civil War.

Jefferson Davis

The President of the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Battle of Gettysburg

A significant battle during the Civil War that resulted in a Union victory and was commemorated by Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

South Carolina

The first Southern state to secede from the Union.

Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland

The border states during the Civil War.

Strengths of the North

Strong industrial economy and government backed by a strong military.

Strengths of the South

Familiarity with the terrain, strong motivation to defend their way of life.

Sherman's March to Sea

A military campaign that involved total destruction of Southern infrastructure and resources.

Battle of Vicksburg

A turning point battle that gave the Union control of the Mississippi River.