THE CIVIL WAR: 20-21
CIVIL WAR NOTEABLES:
NORTH (Blue): Abe Lincoln (Pres.), Charles Sumner (Treasury), Edwin Stanton (Sec. of War), Gen.
George McClellan (horrible), Gen. U.S. Grant, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman (aka Union, Federals,
Yankees)
SOUTH (Gray): Jefferson Davis (Pres.), Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. Thomas (Stonewall Jackson), Gen.
Joseph Johnston, Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest (Rebels, Confederates, Secesh)
The Menace of Secession—Lincoln’s inaugural address was firm yet conciliatory-there would be no conflict
unless the South _________________ it. He believed secession was pointless because legally “we” could not
separate; we were grown together.
Problems caused by secession-who would share the ___________ debt, how would we deal with runaway
slaves, the Underground RXR would double its activity. A united United States was crucial to stave off
European meddling.
South Carolina Assaults Fort _________ (_________ 1861)—Secession came to a head when Fort Sumter
was attacked in _________________ Harbor. The federal stronghold had provisions but not many. The
commander would have to surrender if no supplies came. As a result, Abe could _______ and start war, or let
it fall. He took a middle route; he would resupply but not reinforce. Consequently, the South took the Fort in
34 hours with no deaths on either side. The electrified the North and they wanted war.
This is significant because Lincoln called for ____________ troops to be ready to fight. This aroused the
South as much as Sumter did the North.
Brothers’ and Borders’ Blood—The only slave states left were the crucial Border States (list p. 436). If the
North had fired the 1st shot, the **________________ would have gone with the South and they may have won
the war.
In dealing with the Border States, Lincoln didn’t relay solely on _______________ issues but on legality. In
Maryland, he issued martial law because they threatened to cut of D.C. from the North.
Lincoln was sensitive to these political tactics hurting his moral high ground, so he repeatedly stated his
___________ goal was to _____________ the Union at all costs.
The conflict was a brothers’ war. “___________” vs. “Johnny Reb!” Families were divided in their loyalties
and it tore families apart.
The Balances of Forces—When the war broke out the South seemed to have great advantages. Most
significant, they could fight defensively behind interior lines. Fighting on their soil and for selfdetermination greatly increased morale and intensity.
Militarily, the South had the most talented officers. Robert E. Lee, Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson, Nathan
B. Forrest, PGT Beauregard Jeb Stuart, and many others. Their high-pitched _______________________
struck fear into the Yanks.
1
However, as the War dragged on, grave shortages of shoes, uniforms, and blankets disabled the South. Many
soldiers starved. The _____________ was the greatest ___________ for the South and the North’s greatest
strength.
The North controlled the seas with a superior navy and had a large reserve of manpower.
Dethroning King Cotton and Diplomacy—Cotton was the main resource for the South. The economy was
staked on the precious commodity. This is significant because England relied on the American South for
_______% of the cotton. Davis tried using this as leverage to get British help but it backfired. This was a
devastating blow to the South. It failed because the North increased their supply of corn and wheat while
Britain got cotton from India and used their cotton oversupply.
The Trent Affair was another _____________ blow to the South for British recognition and aid. A Union
warship stopped a British steamer, the __________ and forcibly removed to Confederate diplomats. Britain
was outraged and the South wanted England to fight with the North over this. Lincoln released the prisoners
and avoided war. “One war at a time,” said Lincoln.
Davis vs. Lincoln—Lincoln was a political genius. Davis, while smart did not have the cunning of “Old Abe.”
Each had vehement critics and almost lost elections. The South had states want to leave the Confederacy as did
the Union. Davis might have had better success if he were not up against the Great Lincoln.
Volunteers/Draftees-N/S—Many thought Lincoln was dictator and a buffoon and many hated him. Yet,
Congress passed a federal conscription law for the first time on a ______________ scale. The law was grossly
unfair to the poor allowing the rich to purchase _______________. Many Americans said “Down with
Lincoln and Down with the Draft!”
The Economic Stresses of War—An income tax was levied for the time in US history. The Treasury issued
$450 million in Greenbacks. At various points throughout the war, the greenbacks were worth on .39 on the
_________ standard. As a consequence, Congress passed the Nat’l Banking System in 1863. This was the
first major step that unified a bank network since Old Hickory killed the BUS.
The North’s Economic Boom/Corruption?—New factories sheltered shelter by protective (high) tariffs, made
many people in the North very rich and greedy. Dishonest agents putting profit before patriotism, made shoes
with cardboard soles and shoddy clothes.
Many women joined the War Effort. Women such as Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott all worked
either in jobs vacated by ____________________or as nurses.
THE FURNACE OF WAR:
Bull Run Ends the 90 Day War—Many on both sides believed the war would end within 90 days. Lincoln
concluded that an attack at ______________ (Manassas Junction) about 30 miles from D.C. would be a try. If
successful, they would be close to Richmond and deflate the South. Raw Union troops swaggered out of D.C.
in July 1861. Congressman with their wives went to watch the battle with picnic baskets. However, Stonewall
Jackson put huge pressure in the Yankees on ousted them from the battlefield. If the Rebs would have pursued
they could have captured D.C.
2
“Tardy George” McClellan and the ______________ Campaign: McClellan was the sorriest you- knowwhat ever to fit into a pair of shoes!! McClellan was in charge of the Army of the Potomac. He was 34 yrs
old; who hated to __________ his troops and was _____________ by his men. However, he was terribly
afraid to take any risks. He was too overcautious and never wanted to attack. He hated Lincoln and thought he
could be a military dictator. He wanted to attack on the peninsula of the York and James River but his delay
caused a humiliating defeat and costly failure because of Lee’s counterattack called the Seven Days’ Battles.
Union strategy after this turned to Total War. The Union strategy had SIX PARTS: 1) suffocate the South 2)
liberate the slaves 3) cut the Confederacy in ½ by capturing the MS River 4) Chop the South to pieces by
attacking GA and SC 5) capture Richmond 6) strike as many places as possible.
The War at Sea: War at sea was mainly fought on Rivers, largely the MS. The naval warfare in the Civil War
changed naval warfare for the world. For example, the introduction of Iron-clad ships changed the way ships
fought. South-Merrimack—North-Monitor.
The Pivotal Point—Lee beat McClellan, then beat Gen’l Pope at Second Bull Run. Emboldened, Lee thrust
his troops into Maryland to strike a blow that would encourage foreign intervention and turn
***____________ States. The result was the Battle of Antietam. September 17, 1862 was one of the
bloodiest days of the Civil War. It resulted in a stalemate but the losses of life were staggering. McClellan
was removed from command for the 2nd and final time.
The Battle of Antietam was one of the most decisive battles in world history. It was a significant landmark
battle because the Union thwarted Lee’s army and prevented foreign intervention and the switch of Border
States. It also provided Lincoln an opportunity to give a much awaited political decree.
Battle of Fredericksburg, VA—Dec. 13, 1862, some Union units lost more than half their men. Union lost
more than 13,000 men to the Confederates 5,000. Another Union general was fired.
The Emancipation Proclamation—Lincoln’s Proclamation declared “forever free” the slaves in the CSA still
in rebellion. It did not touch conquered states and the crucial ***___________ States. Still, it affected
800,000 slaves. Lincoln called the EP “an act of justice” and called for “the considerate judgment of
mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.” Lincoln could have freed the slave in the crucial Border
States, but refused to because they would have left the Union.
**Lincoln’s immediate goal wasn’t to free the slaves but to save the Union while strengthening the moral
cause of the Union at home and abroad.
This EP was profoundly significant because it effectively changed the nature of the war. For example,
both sides knew there would be NO SETTLEMENT, IT WOULD BE A FIGHT TO THE FINISH!!
**The South was in an uproar because they thought Lincoln was inciting a slave insurrection and a race war.
After this the Fort Pillow Massacre occurred in TN. N.B. Forrest massacred many black soldiers in cold
blood.
Battle of Chancellorsville, VA—May 1, 1863, the new leading General was taken by surprise while Lee and
Jackson pounded him. That night, the Rebels were about to attack again when ______________ was
accidentally shot by his own men. Despite this tragedy, it was one of the most brilliant victories in the history
of warfare.
3
Lee’s Last Lunge at Gettysburg— Battle of Gettysburg, PA—July 1-3, 1863, the Union was at a low,
disgusted point. Rumors said Lincoln was about to resign. Lincoln was about to fire the leader of
Chancellorsville, but before he could Lee attacked . . . . in the NORTH!!!! This was the biggest battle fought in
North America. The Union barely won, and helped turn the momentum in the War back in their favor.
The War in the West— Two Major Battles in TN:
Fort Donelson 1862—U.S. Grant captured Fort Donelson (Nashville and took control of the Cumberland
River. This is significant because it took the majority of TN under Union control and Grant becomes a famous
(winning) General.
Battle of Shiloh-April 1862: Joseph Johnston launched an attack against Grant. The Union had 13,000
casualties and the Confederates had 11,000. Shiloh was the bloodiest single day battle in American History.
Battle of Vicksburg, MS—Spring of 1863, Grant puts a siege on Vicksburg and captures it. It pretty much,
laid Union claim on the entire West. The siege starved the Rebels and they were subsisting on grass, twigs, and
undigested food from horse manure.
___________________________________________________
Battle of Stones River:
Battle of Gettysburg, PA—July 1-3, 1863, the Union was at a low, disgusted point. Rumors said Lincoln was
about to resign. Lincoln was about to fire the leader of Chancellorsville, but before he could Lee attacked . . . .
in the NORTH!!!! This was the biggest battle fought in North America. The Union barely won, and helped
turn the momentum in the War back in their favor.
The Year of 1863: 1863 was a huge year because of the Emancipation Proclamation, Vicksburg, Gettysburg,
and the Gettysburg Address.
Sherman Scorches Georgia— Grant takes Command in 1864 and give the man some darn whiskey!!!!!
He’s earned it!!!!!!!
Sherman’s March to the Sea: Summer 1864, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman captures Savannah and
Atlanta, GA burning and killing everything in his path. It is a total path of TOTAL WAR, win at all and any
cost.
Political pressure is put on Lincoln to fire Grant, who they call the BUTHCER!!!
The Politics of War—
The Election of 1864—
4
Grant Outlasts Lee— Battle of the Wilderness: May 1864, Grant attacks Lee in VA, and Lee hides out in the
Wilderness. Grant throws men in to fight and they are slaughtered. He lost 50,000 in three months.
The Martyrdom of Lincoln—
The Aftermath of Nightmare—
5