The American Civil War (2)

The Civil War (1861-1865) serves as a crucial event in American history.
It resolved two fundamental questions from the Revolution:
- Nature of the nation: Was the U.S. a dissolvable confederation of states or an indivisible nation with a sovereign government?
- Slavery’s existence in a nation founded on the principle of liberty.

Northern victory preserved U.S. unity and abolished slavery.
The war incurred massive losses: about 625,000 lives, almost equal to all other American wars combined.

Between 1815-1861:
- Northern states experienced rapid industrialization and economic diversification.
- Agriculture dominated but was largely free labor based, with significant investments in transportation and communication networks.
Contrarily, the Southern economy relied on large plantations and slave labor, prioritizing investment in slaves over industrial development. By 1860:
- 84% of manufacturing capital was in non-slaveholding states.
- Cotton prices surged, escalating reliance on slavery.
- Southern whites boasted double the wealth per capita compared to Northerners.

The debate over slavery's expansion began with the Northwest Ordinance (1784) and continued with Missouri’s statehood in 1818, resolved by the Missouri Compromise (1820).
The Missouri Compromise attempted to balance free and slave states but did not resolve the slavery issue in the long term.

Passed law admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.
Banned slavery in remaining Louisiana Purchase lands north of the 36º 30’ parallel.

The Compromise temporarily pacified conflicts but set a legislative precedent concerning slavery.
It expanded slavery's footprint into new territories, increasing sectional tensions.

Comprised five bills to resolve slavery disputes post-Mexican-American War.
Key points:
- Admitted California as a free state.
- Allowed Utah and New Mexico to decide slavery via popular sovereignty.
- Revised Texas boundaries post-war, with financial compensation.
- Strengthened Fugitive Slave Act requiring citizens to assist in capturing runaway slaves.

Proposed by Senator Stephen Douglas to organize Nebraska Territory, allowing slavery where it had been banned.
Initiated violent confrontations known as Bleeding Kansas, representing growing tensions that would lead to Civil War.

Describes violent clashes between pro- and anti-slavery factions starting in 1854.
Violence escalated with John Brown’s retaliatory actions post the Sack of Lawrence.
The events contributed to increasing national attention to the slavery issue.

Supreme Court ruled Dred Scott, an enslaved man, remained property despite residing in free territories.
The decision fueled abolitionist sentiments and intensified the national anti-slavery movement.

John Brown led an armed assault on a federal armory aiming to initiate a slave revolt.
The raid heightened tensions and signaled an escalation towards the Civil War.

Pivotal election featuring Lincoln (Republican) against Douglas (Democratic) and others centered around slavery and states' rights.
Lincoln’s victory prompted Southern states' secession from the Union due to fears over the abolition of slavery.

Following Lincoln’s election, South Carolina was the first state to secede, marking the start of the Civil War.
Formation of the Confederacy by seceding states leading up to the attack on Fort Sumter in 1861.

War initiated by Confederate attack on Fort Sumter; Lincoln aimed to defend the Union without interfering with existing slavery.
The conflict was marked by early battles, military strategies from both sides, and shifting purposes toward emancipation.

Numerous battles occurred with significant engagements, such as Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg, each proving pivotal to Union victories and morale.

Issued by Lincoln, this declared freedom for slaves in rebellious states and allowed for black enlistment in the Union Army, transforming the war's purpose.

Lee's surrender at Appomattox in 1865 effectively ended the Civil War, with Lincoln promoting healing over punishment for the South.

Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, just days after the Confederate surrender, marking a tragic end to his leadership during the Civil War.