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.