Period 5 Lesson 5 John Brown and the Civil War (1)

Focus Questions

  • Impact of John Brown's actions on potential for war in 1859

  • Pros and Cons for Union/Confederacy as war unfolds

Drill Questions

  1. Harriet Tubman's Characteristics

    • Extraordinary courage and leadership

    • Significant role in Underground Railroad

  2. Compromise of 1850

    • Intensified national divisions over slavery

    • Controversial provisions fueled tensions

  3. Failures of Practical Popular Sovereignty

    • Mismanagement and conflict in Kansas

    • Diminished trust in legislative solutions

  4. Crime Against Kansas

    • Violence during settlement, impacting politics

    • Drove Northern and Southern divisions deeper

  5. Dred Scott Decision by Chief Justice Taney

    • Key Points:

      • Scott was not a citizen

      • Congress couldn't prohibit slavery in territories

      • Slavery seen as a constitutional right

Presidents and Their Rankings

  • Franklin Pierce (1853-1857): Often labeled worst for weak leadership.

  • James Buchanan: Considered by some as worse. Video analysis required for opinion.

Lincoln-Douglas Debates (1858)

  • Context: Series of debates focusing on slavery extension.

  • Participants: Abraham Lincoln (Republican) vs. Stephen Douglas (Democrat)

  • Significance: Lincoln's loss laid groundwork for 1860 campaign, raising his profile.

  • Main Points:

    • Freeport Doctrine: Douglas's principle of local decision-making on slavery.

    • Lincoln's Position: Opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Abraham Lincoln's Views on Race

  • Denied equality between races in political context.

  • Expressed belief in white supremacy within societal framework.

John Brown's Impact

  • Quote on Action: "Talk will never free the slaves, we need action!"

  • Radical stance against slavery; considered a terrorist by Southern owners.

  • Led abolitionist raids, triggering 'Bleeding Kansas.'

  • Executed for raiding Harper's Ferry.

Secession Timeline

  • December 1860: South Carolina secedes post-Lincoln's election.

  • Six weeks later, more states join. Formation of the Confederate States, led by Jefferson Davis.

  • Justified secession citing the government’s failure to protect property and rights.

  • Fort Sumter: First shots of the Civil War.

Civil War (1861-1865) Overview

Union Advantages

  • Large population and industrial economy.

  • Control of banks and transportation increases military capability.

  • Effective leadership under Lincoln.

Union Disadvantages

  • Offensive war requires substantial resources.

  • Need for conscription led to public unrest including New York Draft Riots.

South's Advantages

  • Defending home territory; higher troop morale.

  • Experienced generals and tactical advantages.

South's Disadvantages

  • Economy reliant on agriculture; lacked industrial strength.

  • Insufficient supplies and military equipment.

Anaconda Plan

  • Strategic Objectives:

    • Block Southern ports to cut off trade.

    • Split Confederacy by controlling Mississippi River.

Major Military Actions

  • First Shots: At Fort Sumter (April 1861).

  • First Bull Run: Union learns about the ferocity of Southern resistance.

  • Antietam: Deadliest single day in American history; Union victory but Lincoln's leadership questioned.

Ending the War

  • Key Battles: Vicksburg and Sherman's March to the Sea.

  • Grant's Strategy: Total War towards enemy assets, leading to Union victory.

  • Final Surrender: Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House in April 1865.