November 12th lecture

Legislative Actions During the Civil War

  • Republican Dominance: The Republican party worked to pass significant legislation during this period.

  • Key Acts Passed by Republicans:

    • Moral Tariff Act: Increased tariffs, supported by the North.

    • Homestead Act:

    • Encouraged westward migration by offering land.

    • Details: Eligible individuals would receive 160 acres after living on the land for five years.

    • Comparison: 160 acres equivalent to 160 football fields.

    • Legal Tender Act:

    • Introduced federally-backed currency known as "greenbacks" to finance the war.

    • Aimed at reducing counterfeiting with green ink on the back.

    • Morrill Land Grant Act:

    • Allocated federal land for agricultural colleges to educate farmers, improving agricultural practices.

    • Example: University of Florida as one land grant institution.

    • Notable Mention: Michigan State University recognized for its agricultural training.

Emancipation Proclamation and Railroads

  • Emancipation Proclamation: Discussion of its implications during the war.

  • Transcontinental Railroad:

    • Construction initiated during the Civil War and completed post-war.

    • Connected the eastern and western United States, facilitating movement and trade.

Key Turning Points in the Civil War

  • The two major turning points discussed in depth are:

    1. Vicksburg:

    • Location: Mississippi River stronghold for the South.

    • Grant's Siege: Surrounded Vicksburg leading to its surrender on July 4, 1863.

    • Aftermath: Control of the Mississippi River, applying the "Anaconda Plan" to strangle Southern resources.

    • Bitter sentiment: South's reluctance to celebrate July 4th for a century.

    1. Gettysburg:

    • Context: Lee’s invasion of the North to demoralize it and encourage foreign support.

    • Encounter: Armies met in Gettysburg, and holding high ground became critical for the North.

    • Tactical Overview:

      • Southern troops faced uphill assaults against entrenched Northern positions.

      • Usage of cannons and different types of cannonballs during the battle.

    • Casualties: Union forces had replacements due to a larger population, while the South's losses led to diminishing troop strength.

    • Gettysburg Address:

      • Delivered by Lincoln at the cemetery dedication months later, emphasizing honor and reforming the war's purpose towards equality and freedom.

The Gettysburg Address

  • Purpose:

    • Dedicated to Soldiers National Cemetery for those who died bearing the ultimate sacrifice.

    • Reflected on redefining the purpose of the Civil War to emphasize unity, freedom, and equality.

  • Content Purpose Breakdown:

    • Honor the dead and inspire the living to continue the war effort.

    • Reframed the conflict as a struggle for equality and freedom for all.

  • Famous Lines:

    • “All men are created equal” referenced to the Declaration of Independence.

    • Emphasis on government “of the people, by the people, for the people.”

  • Speech Duration:

    • Lincoln's address contrasted with lengthy speeches and was remarkably succinct—approximately 2 minutes.

  • Public Reception: Widely recognized as a pivotal moment in American history despite its brevity.

Implications on Government and Society

  • Impact of equality movements and voting rights:

    • Historical context of suffrage and the changing definitions of rights and citizenship over time.

    • Reflection on the continued growth of the democratic process to eventually encompass African Americans, women, and other groups.

Discussion of Foundational Documents

  • Constitution vs. Declaration of Independence:

    • The Declaration represents aspirational goals for a nation, while the Constitution serves to implement and regulate governance.

    • The Golden Apple and Silver Frame Analogy:

    • The Declaration is the goal — an apple of freedom.

    • The Constitution is the frame — the structure that supports and holds the apple.