Who Built America Chapter Eleven

The Civil War: America's Second Revolution (1861-1865)

Introduction

  • The American Civil War, often referred to as America’s Second Revolution, lasted from 1861 to 1865 and was a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

  • It involved various factors including social, political, and economic changes impacting both the North and South.

The Nation Disintegrates

  • South Carolina led the secession movement on December 20, 1860.

  • In early 1861, six other Southern states followed, forming the Confederate States of America.

  • Lincoln's election prompted fears among slaveholders, leading to secessionist sentiments fueled by the belief that the future of slavery was in jeopardy.

Forces Driving Secession

  • Large slaveholders believed that Lincoln's victory blocked the expansion of slavery, prompting secession.

  • Lincoln, while initially focused on preserving the Union, also acknowledged the need to restrict the spread of slavery in new territories.

Secession Considerations

  • Nonslaveholding whites had mixed feelings about secession, influenced by a range of economic and social factors.

  • The majority of Southern yeomen supported secession due to ties to larger plantations, while others questioned the necessity and wisdom of breaking away from the Union.

Economic and Social Transformations in the North

  • The Civil War transformed Northern economies, leading to a boom in production of weapons and supplies.

  • Employment during wartime saw a significant involvement of women and immigrants in factories and other labor sectors.

Labor and Workforce Changes

  • Women took on roles in factories, agriculture, and nursing, significantly contributing to the war effort.

Dissent and Protest in the North

  • Economic hardship, high prices, and the draft law fueled dissent among workers.

  • The New York City draft riot of 1863 illustrated growing tensions between classes and races.

The Civil War Begins

  • The war officially began on April 12, 1861, with the attack on Fort Sumter.

  • The North's initial goal focused on preserving the Union, but with the involvement of African Americans, the war's goal began transforming toward emancipation.

Military Resources Comparison

  • The Union had significant advantages regarding population and industrial output, contrasted with the South's military determination and resource control.

  • Both sides faced severe challenges, including public morale, resources, and leadership issues, particularly for the Union.

African Americans and the War

  • African Americans contributed significantly to both the Union and Confederate sides, initially facing barriers to enlistment.

  • The Emancipation Proclamation (1863) marked a turning point, enabling freedom-seeking slaves to join the fight.

  • Many African Americans took significant risks to seek freedom, aiding Union forces.

War in the South

  • The war catalyzed urbanization and industrialization in Southern cities despite the deterioration of traditional agrarian lifestyles.

  • Social class conflicts emerged, with most of the war's fatalities affecting those from impoverished backgrounds and those in the military.

Conclusion: Revolutionary Consequences

  • The war abolished slavery through the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.

  • Fundamental changes occurred in societal attitudes towards race and economic systems, setting the stage for the Reconstruction era.

  • The Civil War left Americans grappling with questions regarding national unity, civil rights, and the balance of power between federal authority and states' rights.