The Civil War

The Civil War

22.1 Introduction

• Beginning of the Civil War: The cannon shells over Fort Sumter marked the start of the Civil War.

• Southern Perspective:
    - Representatives from six of the seven states that seceded from the Union formed the Confederate States of America in early 1861.
    - Southern rationale: States had voluntarily joined the Union and could voluntarily leave it.
    - Confederates viewed themselves as proud defenders of 'Southern Rights' and 'Southern Independence.'

• Northern Perspective:
    - Stephen Douglas proclaimed that there were 'no neutrals'—only patriots and traitors after the fall of Fort Sumter.
    - Northerners viewed southern secession as an act of rebellion against the United States, motivated by a desire to defend the Union and its ideals.

• Border States:
    - Eight slave states were caught between the Union and Confederacy.
    - Confederate-Aligned Border States: Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina.
    - Virginia's western counties formed West Virginia to remain loyal to the Union.
    - Union-Aligned Border States: Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri.

• Personal Implications of the War: Civil war is characterized by deep division, affecting families and friendships.

22.2 Preparing for War

• Initial Responses:
    - Lincoln's Action: Called for 75,000 volunteers to preserve the Union after Fort Sumter.
    - Davis's Action: Jefferson Davis called for volunteers to defend the South.

• Initial Optimism for Quick Victory:
    - Misconceptions that the war would be short were prevalent.
    - Northerners believed the South lacked the resources for a long war.
    - Southerners were confident, believing they could easily defeat Northern forces.

• Strengths and Weaknesses of the North:
    - Strengths:
      - Population of approximately 22 million (vs. 9 million in the South).
      - 90% of nation's manufacturing occurred in the North.|
      - Richer and technologically advanced, with better resources: iron, coal, and food supply.
      - Control of the seas and 21,000 miles of railroad allowed for troop and supply transport.
    - Weakness: Military leadership was weak, with many officers resigning to join the Confederacy.

• Strengths and Weaknesses of the South:
    - Strengths:
      - Fighting a defensive war that capitalized on belief in defending homes and liberty.
      - Superior military leadership, with many top officers born in the South, such as Robert E. Lee, who chose to fight for the Confederacy despite personal conflicts.
    - Weaknesses:
      - Economy was unable to support a protracted conflict with few factories.
      - Blockades reduced trade, causing shortages and logistics problems, especially transportation.
      - Wealth was heavily invested in land and slaves, limiting financial resources for wartime.

• Abraham Lincoln vs. Jefferson Davis:
    - Lincoln's Leadership:
      - Birthplace: Kentucky, with a modest upbringing; limited formal education but a strong desire for knowledge.
      - Evolved into a compassionate leader with a good sense of humor.
    - Davis's Leadership:
      - Also from Kentucky; military academy attended; served as Secretary of War;
      - Believed the South was fighting for its independence and rights.

22.3 Bull Run: A Great Awakening

• Union Strategy:
    - Initial strategy included surrounding the South (Anaconda Plan) and capturing Richmond.

• Role of Rose Greenhow:
    - A Confederate spy who gathered Union military plans and passed short messages to them.

• Battle of Bull Run:
    - Union troops advanced toward Richmond, initially confident.
    - Confederate general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson inspired Southern troops to hold their ground.
    - Final outcome: Confederate victory led to a wake-up call for the North, realizing the war would be prolonged.

22.4 Antietam: A Bloody Affair

• Implementation of Anaconda Plan: Blockade successes reduced Southern trade, impacting resources.

• Union Victories:
    - Led by Grant in the Mississippi, important cities like New Orleans fell to the Union.
    - Battles increased significantly, culminating in Antietam.

• Battle of Antietam (September 1862):
    - Known as the bloodiest day in American history; significant casualties on both sides.
    - The Union claimed victory; however, effects were devastating.
    - Medical situations in both armies were dire, with far more deaths from disease than battle injuries.

22.5 Gettysburg: A Turning Point

• Change in Lincoln's Policy: Encouraged by victories to shift the aim of the war towards ending slavery.

• Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863):
    - Promised freedom for all slaves in Confederate states; symbolic more than actionable.

• Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863):
    - Took significance as a morale boost for the Union; marked Lee's last attempt to invade North.
    - Notable for immense casualties; Jeremy Pickett's charge exemplified Southern bravery but led to major losses.

• Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address:
    - Fostered a deeper vision of equality; invoked the Declaration of Independence’s principles.

22.6 Vicksburg: A Besieged City

• Technological Advances: Railroads and telegraphs advanced, marking a significant change in warfare strategies.

• Union’s Siege:
    - Vicksburg was vital for controlling the Mississippi; siege tactics employed for several weeks leading to starvation of defenders.
    - Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863, splitting the Confederacy economically and strategically.

22.7 Fort Wagner: African Americans Join the War

• African American Recruitment: Legally allowed to join the Union Army after abolitionist support; formed regiments like the 54th Massachusetts Infantry.

• Courage at Fort Wagner: Despite heavy losses, the attack was pivotal for association of African Americans with heroism in warfare.

22.8 Appomattox: Total War Brings an End

• Leadership of Ulysses S. Grant:
    - Adopted total warfare tactics to demoralize and destroy Southern resources.

• Sherman's March: Showcasing destruction in Georgia; essential for Union morale and ensuring South's inability to recover.

• Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse (April 9, 1865):
    - Lee surrendered with respectful terms from Grant, symbolizing the end of the war yet laying groundwork for future reconciliation.

22.9 Chapter Summary

• Union vs. Confederacy: Analysis of both sides' strengths and weaknesses, technological advancements, and the development of warfare.

• Casualties and Medical Care: The war marked by staggering losses, predominantly due to disease stemming from inadequate medical knowledge.

• Lincoln’s Shift to Emancipation and Lasting Impacts: Reshaped the nature of the Civil War as a fight for freedom and significantly changed American societal structures post-war.

• Enduring Costs and National Unity: While the war concluded with a singular federal identity, many issues remained unresolved, and the societal landscape transformed forever.