APUSH Chapter 15 Study Guide

Definitions

• Union: The northern states during the American Civil War that opposed secession and supported the federal government.

• Confederacy: The southern states that seceded from the Union and formed their own government during the Civil War.

• Abraham Lincoln: The 16th President of the United States who led the nation during the Civil War and is known for the Emancipation Proclamation.

• Jefferson Davis: The President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.

• Border States: Slave states that did not secede from the Union, including Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware.

• First Battle of Bull Run: The first major battle of the Civil War, fought in July 1861, resulting in a Confederate victory.

• Anaconda Plan: A Union military strategy aimed at blockading the Confederacy and controlling the Mississippi River to cut off supplies.

• Ulysses S. Grant: The commander of the Union Army who later became the 18th President of the United States.

• Robert E. Lee: The commander of the Confederate Army known for his leadership during the Civil War.

• Conscription: Mandatory enlistment for military service, instituted during the Civil War to bolster armies.

• George B. McClellan: A Union general who led the Army of the Potomac and was notable for his Peninsular Campaign.

• Peninsular Campaign: A major Union operation aimed at capturing the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, in 1862.

• “Contrabands of war”: Escaped slaves who sought refuge with Union forces during the Civil War, considered property of war.

• Battle of Antietam: A significant battle in September 1862 that marked the bloodiest single day in American history and led to a strategic Union victory.

• Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory.

• New York City Draft Riots: Violent disturbances in New York City in 1863 in response to conscription laws that disproportionately affected the working class and immigrants.

• Homestead Act: A law passed in 1862 that provided land to settlers at little or no cost, encouraging westward expansion.

• Morrill Land Grant Act: Legislation that provided federal land to states to fund agricultural colleges in 1862.

• Greenbacks: Paper currency issued by the U.S. Treasury during the Civil War to help finance the war effort.

• Radical Republicans: A faction within the Republican Party during the Civil War that advocated for the complete abolition of slavery and equal rights for freedmen.

• Copperhead Democrats: Northern Democrats who opposed the war and wanted an immediate peace settlement with the Confederacy.

• Habeas Corpus Act of 1863: A law suspended by Lincoln allowing for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial during the Civil War.

• Battles of Gettysburg, Vicksburg: Key turning points in the Civil War; Gettysburg was a significant Union victory in July 1863, and Vicksburg was crucial for Union control of the Mississippi River.

• Battle of Atlanta: A Union victory in July 1864 that helped secure President Lincoln's re-election and was part of Sherman's campaign.

• Election of 1864: The presidential election held during the Civil War in which Lincoln was re-elected amidst significant challenges.

• Sherman’s March to the Sea: A military campaign led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, from Atlanta to Savannah, aimed at destroying Southern morale and resources.

• Appomattox Court House: The site where General Lee surrendered to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War in April 1865.

• Thirteenth Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1865 that abolished slavery in the United States.

Advantages of the Union and Confederacy: The Union had a larger population, more industrial resources, and a stronger navy, which facilitated better supply lines and transportation. The Confederacy had strong military leadership, such as General Robert E. Lee, and was fighting on familiar territory, which provided strategic advantages. These advantages influenced military strategies; the Union focused on blockades and controlling key territories, whereas the Confederacy aimed to capitalize on defensive strategies and leverage their military leadership.

Emancipation Proclamation: Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation primarily to weaken the Confederacy's war effort by freeing slaves in rebellious states, thus undermining their economy and manpower. This move was politically risky as it could alienate Border States loyal to the Union and strain relations with conciliatory members of his own party. The proclamation shifted the war's focus, making the abolition of slavery a central goal, which galvanized support among abolitionists and helped secure foreign alliances for the Union while altering the perception of the conflict.

Social and Economic Effects of the War: The war drastically changed social and economic life in both the North and South. The North experienced industrial growth and increasing workforce diversity, while the South faced devastation and economic collapse. Effects differed based on class, race, and gender; while many Northern women entered the workforce, Southern women often took on additional responsibilities due to lost manpower. The war also intensified racial tensions and led to the beginnings of civil rights movements as formerly enslaved individuals sought freedom and equality.

Key Turning Points: Significant turning points included the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Vicksburg, which marked shifts in momentum towards Union victories. Politically, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Election of 1864 were influential, reinforcing the Union's commitment to abolition and securing Lincoln's leadership. Diplomatic efforts included relations with European powers that were swayed by the moral implications of the war.

Changes to the United States: The Civil War significantly reshaped the United States by abolishing slavery, leading to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. It also resulted in greater federal authority and set the stage for Reconstruction efforts aimed at integrating formerly enslaved individuals into society. Overall, the war laid the foundation for ongoing civil rights struggles and the evolution of American democracy.