civil war
Compare and contrast the Union’s government and the government established by the Confederate States of America.
The Union's government was characterized by a strong central authority, while the Confederate government emphasized states' rights and limited central power, which led to various administrative and economic challenges.
Analyze the significance of Crittenden’s Compromise.
This was an effort to prevent the Civil War by extending the Missouri compromise Line to allow slavery in the South and protect it in existing slave states. It failed because the North opposed expanding slavery while the south felt it didn't go far enough.
Describe major conflicts of the Civil War including:
Ft. Sumter: The Battle of Fort Sumter in April 1861 started the Civil War when Confederate forces fired on the Union
1st Battle of Bull Run/Manassas: Took place in July 1861, and It was the first major land battle of the Civil War and ended with a Confederate victory.
Peninsula Campaign: The Peninsula Campaign, fought during the spring and summer of 1862, was an attempt by Union general-in-chief George B. McClellan to capture the Confederate
2nd Battle of Bull Run/Manassas: The major conflict was between Union forces led by Major General John Pope and Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee, ending in a Confederate victory.
Antietam: The Battle of Antietam in 1862 was fought between Union forces under Major General George B. McClellan and Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
Ft. Donelson & Ft. Henry: The major conflicts at Fort Donelson and Fort Henry in 1862 involved Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, capturing these two forts. This was important for controlling key rivers and moving into Confederate areas.
Shiloh: The Battle of Shiloh in 1862 was a major Civil War conflict where Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant defeated Confederate troops. It was one of the war's bloodiest battles.
Monitor v. Merrimack: The Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack in 1862 was the first fight between ironclad ships. It ended in a draw but changed naval warfare forever.
Fredericksburg: The Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862 was a major Civil War clash where Union forces led by General Burnside were defeated by Confederate troops under General Lee.
Chancellorsville: The Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863 saw Confederate General Robert E. Lee win a major victory over Union General Joseph Hooker, despite being outnumbered.
Gettysburg: The Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was a crucial Civil War battle where the Union forces defeated the Confederates, marking a turning point in the war.
Vicksburg: The Battle of Vicksburg in 1863 was a significant Civil War victory for the Union. General Ulysses S. Grant's forces captured the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and splitting the Confederacy in two.
March to the Sea: Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864 was a key Civil War campaign where Union General Sherman led troops from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying Confederate resources along the way.
Battle of the Wilderness: The Battle of the Wilderness in 1864 was a fierce and chaotic fight in Virginia between Generals Grant and Lee, resulting in heavy casualties with no clear victory.
Spotsylvania: The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in 1864 was a tough, two-week fight between Union and Confederate forces, with heavy losses on both sides.
Cold Harbor: The Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864 was a brief but deadly fight where Union troops under General Grant faced heavy losses against Confederate forces led by General Lee.
Petersburg: The Siege of Petersburg in 1864-1865 was a long battle where Union forces surrounded the city to cut off Confederate supplies, lasting about nine months.
Explain historiography of the Civil War.
Historiography of the Civil War is how historians' views on the war have changed over time. Early views focused on the Confederacy, while later ones emphasized slavery and different groups' experiences.
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the North and South.
The North had more resources and people, while the South had better military leaders and home-field advantage.
Describe how both the North and South financed the war.
The North financed the Civil War through taxes, bonds, and printing paper money called "greenbacks." The South also used bonds and printed money but faced severe inflation. They relied on foreign loans and had less effective taxes. The North's stronger economy helped them fund the war more efficiently.
Describe how the North and South raised armies.
The North raised armies through volunteers, a draft starting in 1863, and immigrants joining. The South used volunteers, started a draft in 1862, and allowed wealthy men to hire substitutes or avoid service if they owned enough slaves.
Explain the causes and effects of the NY Draft Riots.
The New York Draft Riots of 1863 happened because many people, especially Irish immigrants, were angry that rich men could pay $300 to avoid the draft. The riots led to violent attacks on draft offices, wealthy homes, and African American neighborhoods, causing destruction and requiring federal troops to stop the chaos.
Analyze how the Civil War was a modern war.
The Civil War was a modern war due to advanced technology like ironclad ships and railroads, improved weapons with greater accuracy, total war strategies targeting civilian infrastructure, and advancements in battlefield medicine.
Describe the strategy for Northern victory.
The Northern strategy, called the Anaconda Plan, aimed to blockade Southern ports, control the Mississippi River, and capture key cities like Richmond to cut off supplies and divide the Confederacy.
Explain the challenges the Union had with leadership including describing commanders such as:
Irwin McDowell: Irwin McDowell, leading at the First Battle of Bull Run, faced issues with inexperienced troops and complex plans, leading to a chaotic retreat and Confederate victory.
George McClellan: George McClellan was known for his excellent organizational skills but was overly cautious. His hesitation to engage in battle led to missed opportunities, frustrating President Lincoln and resulting in McClellan's removal from command.
John Pope: John Pope was a Union commander who led at the Second Battle of Bull Run. His aggressive tactics and overconfidence led to a significant defeat, resulting in his removal from command.
Ulysses S. Grant: Ulysses S. Grant was a key Union general known for his aggressive tactics. He secured major victories, including Vicksburg, and played a crucial role in the Confederacy's defeat. He later became the 18th President of the United States.
William T. Sherman: William T. Sherman was a Union general known for his "March to the Sea," which aimed to cripple the South's ability to continue the war.
Ambrose Burnside: Ambrose Burnside was a Union general known for his unique sideburns and the major defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
George Meade: George Meade was a Union general best known for defeating Confederate forces at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Describe the advantages the South had with leadership including describing commanders such as:
Robert E. Lee: The South's leadership, with commanders like Robert E. Lee, provided a significant advantage due to their strategic skills and ability to inspire troops.
Stonewall Jackson: Stonewall Jackson was a key Confederate general known for his fearless and rapid maneuvers, which often caught Union forces off guard and led to significant victories for the South.
James Longstreet: James Longstreet was another important Confederate general. He was known for his strong defensive tactics and played a crucial role in many major battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg. His ability to organize and execute effective defensive strategies made him a valuable leader for the South.
George Pickett: George Pickett was a Confederate general best known for leading Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg, a bold but ultimately disastrous assault.
Analyze the ways Lincoln expanded the power of the presidency during the war.
Lincoln expanded the power of the presidency during the Civil War by suspending habeas corpus, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, and taking direct control over military decisions.
Describe political opposition to Lincoln during the war.
Political opposition to Lincoln during the war included the Copperheads, who wanted peace with the Confederacy, and Radical Republicans, who thought he was too lenient on the South and slow to abolish slavery.
Explain the significance of Ex Parte Merryman and Ex Parte Milligan
Ex Parte Merryman challenged Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus, ruling it unconstitutional without Congress's approval. Ex Parte Milligan ruled that civilians can't be tried by military courts when civilian courts are open, protecting civil liberties.
Analyze the decision for emancipation and the effects of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Confederate states. It boosted Union morale, stopped foreign support for the Confederacy, and let African Americans join the Union Army.
Describe the Election of 1864.
The Election of 1864 was during the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln ran against George B. McClellan. Lincoln wanted to continue the war to reunite the nation and end slavery. McClellan wanted peace talks. Lincoln won, ensuring the Union's victory and the end of slavery.
Describe the major political challenges for the South.
The South faced unity issues among Confederate states, lack of international support, economic struggles due to the Union blockade, and internal dissent during the Civil War.
Describe the Civil War’s effect on both the Northern and Southern economies.
The Civil War boosted the Northern economy through industrial growth and increased production. In the South, the economy suffered due to the Union blockade, destruction of plantations, and the loss of slave labor, leading to economic instability.
Describe domestic developments of the Civil War era such as:
Homestead Act: The Homestead Act of 1862 provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, encouraging westward expansion and agricultural development in the United States.
Morrill Act: The Morrill Act of 1862 granted land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts. This act aimed to promote higher education and practical skills across the United States.
Transcontinental Railroad: The Transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, connected the eastern and western United States by rail for the first time. It greatly improved transportation and communication, facilitated westward expansion, and boosted the economy by making the movement of goods and people much faster and more efficient.
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Chapter 15: Reconstruction and the New South
Describe the debate over Reconstruction within the Republican Party.
The debate over Reconstruction within the Republican Party was between Radical Republicans and moderate Republicans. Radical Republicans wanted strict measures to ensure full civil rights for African Americans and punish former Confederates. Moderate Republicans preferred a lenient approach to quickly restore the Union and focus on economic rebuilding, with less emphasis on civil rights.
Describe Presidential Reconstruction.
Presidential Reconstruction was President Andrew Johnson's plan to quickly bring Southern states back into the Union.
He pardoned many former Confederates and allowed them to form new governments, which upset those who wanted more protections for freed slaves.
Describe the Wade-Davis Bill.
The Wade-Davis Bill was a 1864 plan by Radical Republicans for Reconstruction. It required 50% of a state's white males to swear loyalty to the Union and guaranteed equality for African Americans. Lincoln vetoed it.
Describe Lincoln’s assassination.
Lincoln's assassination happened on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, shot President Abraham Lincoln in the head during a play. Lincoln died the next morning, making Vice President Andrew Johnson the new president.
Analyze how Johnson’s background shaped his actions.
Andrew Johnson's Southern background and belief in states' rights led him to favor a lenient Reconstruction plan. This caused conflicts with Radical Republicans who wanted stricter measures and more protections for freed slaves.
Explain reasons why Reconstruction became more radical.
Reconstruction became more radical due to the influence of Radical Republicans, the enactment of Black Codes, President Johnson's lenient policies, and widespread violence in the South.
Describe the impact of the Freedman’s Bureau
The Freedmen's Bureau provided food, housing, medical aid, and education to freed slaves and poor whites in the South. It also offered legal help to protect their rights.
Describe the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
- 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery in the United States.
- 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guaranteed equal protection under the law.
- 15th Amendment: Gave African American men the right to vote by prohibiting denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Describe the Election of 1866.
The Election of 1866 was a midterm election where Radical Republicans gained control of Congress. This allowed them to push their Reconstruction plans and civil rights measures for freed slaves.
Explain Military/Radical/Congressional Reconstruction.
Military, Radical, or Congressional Reconstruction was when Congress took charge of rebuilding the South after the Civil War. They divided the South into military districts, ensured civil rights for freed slaves, and passed laws to integrate them into society.
Describe what led to Johnson’s impeachment as well as the eventual outcomes.
President Andrew Johnson was impeached because he clashed with Congress over Reconstruction and violated the Tenure of Office Act by trying to remove the Secretary of War. He was acquitted by one vote in the Senate and remained in office, but his power was greatly reduced.
Describe the Scalawags and Carpetbaggers.
Scalawags were Southern whites who supported Reconstruction and the Republicans, often seen as traitors by other Southerners. Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War, viewed as opportunists by many locals.
Describe the Election of 1868.
The Election of 1868 was held after the Civil War. Ulysses S. Grant, the Republican candidate and Union war hero, won against Horatio Seymour, the Democratic candidate. Grant's victory was largely due to his support for Reconstruction and civil rights for freed slaves.
Analyze the scandals of the Grant administration.
1. Credit Mobilier: Railroad executives overcharged the government and bribed officials.
2. Whiskey Ring: Officials conspired with distillers to avoid taxes.
3. Indian Ring: Officials took bribes for contracts on Native American reservations.
Describe the Election of 1872.
The Election of 1872 saw President Ulysses S. Grant running for re-election against Horace Greeley, the candidate for the Liberal Republican Party and the Democrats. Grant won decisively, but Greeley died before the electoral votes were counted, leading his votes to be split among other candidates.
Explain how the Southern states were “redeemed.”
Southern states were "redeemed" during Reconstruction when white Democrats regained control. They used violence and intimidation to suppress African American voters and Republicans, ending Reconstruction by the late 1870s.
Describe the development of the KKK.
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was founded in 1865 by former Confederate soldiers. It quickly became a violent group aiming to restore white supremacy by using terror tactics like lynching and threats to intimidate African Americans and their allies during Reconstruction.
Analyze ways that African American political participation and education changed as a result of
Reconstruction.
During Reconstruction, African American political participation increased as they gained the right to vote and hold office. Education improved with the establishment of public schools and colleges, increasing literacy and opportunities.
Describe what is meant by the “New South” and how it differed from the Old South.
The "New South" aimed to modernize the Southern economy after the Civil War, focusing on industrialization and diversified agriculture, unlike the Old South, which relied on slavery and cotton
Explain the system of tenant farming that developed in the Reconstruction South.
Tenant farming in the Reconstruction South involved farmers, often former slaves, renting land to grow crops. They paid rent in cash or crops, but this system often kept them in debt and poverty.
Explain the argument of Booker T. Washington.
Booker T. Washington argued that African Americans should focus on vocational education and economic self-reliance. He believed that by working hard and gaining skills, they would gradually earn respect and improve their social status.
Describe Plessy v. Ferguson and its effects.
Plessy v. Ferguson was an 1896 Supreme Court case that upheld segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. This decision legalized racial segregation and led to widespread discrimination and Jim Crow laws. It was overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.
Explain ways the South circumvented the 15th Amendment.
The South circumvented ( found ways to get around the 15th Amendment and prevent African Americans from voting) the 15th Amendment by using poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and intimidation or violence to prevent African Americans from voting.
Describe Jim Crow Laws.
Jim Crow laws were rules in the South that enforced racial segregation, keeping Black and white people separate in public places like schools and buses. They lasted from the late 1800s until the 1960s.
Describe the Election of 1876 and the Compromise of 1877.
The Election of 1876 was between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. It was highly contested, with disputed electoral votes.
The Compromise of 1877 resolved it by giving Hayes the presidency in exchange for ending Reconstruction, removing federal troops from the South.
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Chapter 13: The Impending Crisis (STUDY TOMORROW)
Define manifest destiny.
Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was meant to expand across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It was seen as a duty to spread democracy and civilization.
Describe the American settlement of Texas and the resulting Texan Revolution against Mexico.
American settlers moved to Texas in the 1820s, but tensions with Mexico grew over cultural differences and laws. This led to the Texan Revolution in 1835-1836, where settlers fought for independence. Key events included the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texans won and secured their independence.
Explain the arguments for and against annexation of Texas.
Arguments for annexing Texas included the belief in Manifest Destiny and the economic benefits of Texas' land and resources.
Arguments against it included concerns about expanding slavery, potential conflict with Mexico, and the challenges of integrating Texas into the Union.
Describe the experiences of settlers heading west along the Oregon Trail, et. al.
Settlers on the Oregon Trail faced a tough journey that lasted several months. They traveled in covered wagons, dealt with rough terrain, river crossings, harsh weather, and diseases like cholera. Despite the hardships, they were motivated by the promise of fertile land and new opportunities.
Describe the Election of 1844 and analyze the importance of manifest destiny in this election.
The Election of 1844 saw James K. Polk defeat Henry Clay. Polk's support for Manifest Destiny, the belief in U.S. expansion, was key to his victory. This idea appealed to voters eager for territorial growth.
Analyze reasons why Americans settled for less than “54°40’ or Fight”
Americans settled for less than "54°40’ or Fight" to avoid war with Britain. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 set the boundary at the 49th parallel, allowing peaceful expansion.
Explain the causes of the Mexican-American War.
The Mexican-American War started because of the U.S. annexation of Texas, border disputes over the Rio Grande, and the belief in Manifest Destiny. Failed diplomatic efforts to buy California and New Mexico also played a role. The war ended with the U.S. gaining significant territory.
Describe the course of the Mexican-American War.
The Mexican-American War started in 1846 after the U.S. annexed Texas. Key battles occurred near the Rio Grande, and the U.S. quickly captured California. General Winfield Scott then took Mexico City in 1847. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, giving the U.S. a large amount of territory.
Explain the results of the Mexican-American War, Particularly through the Treaty of Guadalupe-
Hidalgo (1848).
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) ended the Mexican-American War. The U.S. gained California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and New Mexico. The Rio Grande became the Texas border, and the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million.
Analyze the significance of the Wilmot Proviso.
The Wilmot Proviso aimed to ban slavery in territories gained from Mexico. Though it never passed, it increased tensions between the North and South, highlighting the growing divide over slavery and foreshadowing the Civil War.
Define popular sovereignty when it came to the question of expanding slavery.
Popular sovereignty allowed settlers in new territories to vote on whether to permit slavery. This led to conflicts, especially in Kansas, as pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups clashed.
Describe the Election of 1848 including the significance of the Free Soil Party
The Election of 1848 saw Zachary Taylor, a Whig, win the presidency. It was significant because the Free Soil Party emerged, advocating against the expansion of slavery into new territories. Although they didn't win, they influenced the national debate on slavery.
Analyze the results of the 1849 California Gold Rush.
The 1849 California Gold Rush led to rapid population growth, economic boosts, and California's statehood in 1850. It also caused displacement of Native Americans and significant environmental changes.
Compare and contrast the old politicians (Clay, Calhoun, Webster) with the new generation (Douglas)
Old politicians like Clay, Calhoun, and Webster tried to keep the country together with compromises. The new generation, like Douglas, pushed for letting states decide on slavery, which caused more conflict.
Describe the Election of 1852.
The Election of 1852 saw Franklin Pierce, a Democrat, win against Whig candidate Winfield Scott. Pierce's victory showed the decline of the Whig Party, which soon dissolved, leading to the rise of the Republican Party.
Explain the ways that the debate over slavery blocked territorial expansion.
The debate over slavery blocked territorial expansion because new territories had to decide if they would allow slavery or not. This led to conflicts like the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, making it hard to agree and slowing down expansion.
Describe the Gadsden Purchase and the motivations behind it.
The Gadsden Purchase in 1853 involved the U.S. buying land from Mexico, now southern Arizona and New Mexico. The main reasons were to build a southern railroad and settle border disputes.
Describe the causes and effects of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
Causes:
1. Desire for a transcontinental railroad.
2. Need to organize new territories.
3. Proposal by Stephen A. Douglas.
Effects:
1. Repealed the Missouri Compromise.
2. Led to violent clashes in "Bleeding Kansas."
3. Increased tensions between North and South.
Compare the newly created Republican Party to the existing parties.
The newly created Republican Party opposed the expansion of slavery, while existing parties like the Democrats were divided on the issue. The Republicans attracted anti-slavery Whigs, Free-Soilers, and abolitionists, focusing on stopping slavery's spread.
Explain the role John Brown played in pushing the nation toward war.
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 aimed to start a slave revolt. It failed but increased tensions between the North and South, pushing the nation closer to war.
Describe the violence of Bleeding Kansas.
"Bleeding Kansas" was marked by violent conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers from 1854 to 1859. These brutal clashes aimed to decide if Kansas would be a free or slave state, highlighting the deep divisions in the country.
Explain how the sectional debate changed over time.
The sectional debate shifted from economic issues to the morality of slavery. Early on, it was about tariffs and states' rights, but by the 1850s, it focused on whether new states would allow slavery, leading to the Civil War.
Describe the Election of 1856.
The Election of 1856 was between James Buchanan, John C. Frémont, and Millard Fillmore. Buchanan won, highlighting the nation's division over slavery.
Explain the significance of Dred Scott v. Sandford.
The Dred Scott v. Sandford case in 1857 ruled that African Americans weren't citizens and couldn't sue in federal court. It also allowed slavery to spread into western territories, increasing tensions before the Civil War.
Analyze how Buchannan failed to prevent the Civil War.
James Buchanan failed to prevent the Civil War by being indecisive, supporting the Dred Scott decision, and doing little to stop Southern states from seceding after Lincoln's election. His weak leadership allowed tensions to escalate.
Describe the arguments Lincoln presented in the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the significance of these arguments.
In the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Lincoln argued against the expansion of slavery, calling it morally wrong, while Douglas supported letting each territory decide. These debates highlighted the national issue of slavery and boosted Lincoln's political career.
Describe the Election of 1860 and analyze the results of Lincoln’s victory.
The Election of 1860 saw Abraham Lincoln win against three other candidates. His victory was significant because it led to Southern states seceding from the Union, fearing his stance against the expansion of slavery. This secession ultimately sparked the Civil War.