Aice US history Chapter 2
Study Guide: Chapter 2 - Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-77)
2.1 Why did the Civil War last four years?
A. The Border States
Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri played crucial roles in the war due to their strategic locations.
B. Changing Military Strategies
The Campaign at Sea: The Union blockade aimed to restrict trade and limit foreign support.
Earlier Strategies and Campaigns (1861-63): Initial military strategies focused on quick victories and the capture of key locations.
Later Strategies: Adapted strategies included total war and focusing on Southern infrastructure.
C. Changing Approaches of Political and Military Leadership
The South: Relied on defense and maintaining morale.
The North: Shifted towards a more aggressive approach, leveraging resources.
Contrast between Northern and Southern Approaches: Varying philosophies regarding military engagement and war conduct affected strategy.
D. Resources Available
Population Superiority: The North had a larger population to draw soldiers from.
Wealth Superiority: The North possessed greater financial resources.
Manufacturing & Naval Power: Industrial strength aided the Union significantly.
Railways & Transportation: The North's extensive railway system enhanced mobility for troops and supplies.
War Finance: Better mechanisms for financing the war in the North contributed to its success.
E. Impact of Foreign Influences
Britain and France: Their involvement and perspectives influenced international dynamics and support during the war.
2.2 How great was the immediate impact of the Civil War (1861-65)
A. Limitations on Civil Liberties during the War
Conscription: Introduced by both the Confederacy and the Union, leading to unrest.
Liberty Restrictions: Each government took measures that limited civil liberties in response to the war crisis.
B. Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
Reasons for the Proclamation: Aimed at weakening the Confederacy and redefining the war’s purpose.
Contents of the Proclamation: Freed slaves in rebelling states.
Responses: Varied from support in the North to backlash in the South.
C. Life in the Confederate States
Social Divisions: Inequalities due to slavery and class divisions.
Political Divisions: Conflicts within the Confederacy affected governance.
Economy: Struggled under blockade and warfare.
D. Nature of Democracy in the North and South
Southern Politics: Influenced heavily by oligarchies and slavery interests.
Northern Politics: More diverse and involved in reform movements.
2.3 What were the aims and outcomes of Reconstruction?
Leadership in Reconstruction: Determined by conflicts between Presidential and Congressional priorities.
A. Presidential Reconstruction
Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson: Their approaches varied significantly in leniency and policy intentions.
B. Radical Reconstruction from Congress
Impeachment of President Johnson: Highlights the tensions between executive and legislative branches.
C. Constitutional Amendments (13, 14, 15)
13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
14th Amendment: Granted citizenship and equal protection.
15th Amendment: Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race.
2.4 How successful was Reconstruction?
A. Changing Positions of Ex-Slaves
New Southern Economic Model: Shifts from plantation system to various economic initiatives.
Freedmen’s Bureau Achievements: Helped in education and rebuilding of the South.
B. Responses of the White South
Political and Legal Responses: Resistance through new laws and political maneuvering.
Black Codes: Implemented to restrict the rights of freedmen.
Peculiar Institution and Ku Klux Klan: Reinforcement of white supremacy and segregation.
C. Ulysses S. Grant’s Reconstruction Policies
Civil Rights Act of 1875: Aimed to guarantee equal rights in public accommodations.
D. Compromise of 1877 and the End of Reconstruction
Election Compromise of 1877: Resolved the contested 1876 election, leading to withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.