Union
This Northern leader issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Abraham Lincoln
This was the nickname for the Southern states that seceded from the United States.
The Confederate States of America (the South).
The Anaconda Plan called for a naval blockade and control of which major river?
The Mississippi River.
Pickett’s Charge happened during which battle?
Gettysburg
The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed new territories to decide on slavery by what principle?
Popular sovereignty.
Name the country or side commonly called the “Union” during the Civil War.
The United States (the North).
Name the general who led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
Robert E. Lee.
What military strategy did General Sherman use during his March to the Sea?
Total war (or “scorched earth”).
The Battle of Antietam is known for being the single: (choose phrase) __________ in U.S. history.
Bloodiest day.
Which compromise drew a line at 36°30′ to regulate slavery in the Louisiana Purchase?
The Missouri Compromise.
The Union’s main advantage in industry and transportation was its larger number of these (one-word).
Factories (or railroads).
The Confederacy hoped for recognition and support from this major European country (name either one commonly sought).
Great Britain or France.
Name one goal of the Anaconda Plan besides the blockade.
Capture Richmond (the Confederate capital).
Where did General Lee surrender to General Grant, effectively ending major fighting?
Appomattox Court House.
Name the law that required citizens in free states to help return escaped enslaved people.
The Fugitive Slave Act.
After the fall of this city, the Union gained control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy.
Vicksburg
Describe one economic problem the Confederacy faced during the war.
Blockades and fewer factories caused shortages and inflation.
Define “total war” in one sentence and give one example from the Civil War.
Total war targets both military forces and civilian infrastructure to destroy the enemy’s ability to fight; Sherman destroying rail lines and supplies is an example.
Explain why the Siege of Vicksburg was a turning point in the war.
Vicksburg’s fall gave the Union full control of the Mississippi, splitting Confederate territory and hurting supplies.
What effect did the Dred Scott decision have on the status of enslaved people and territorial law?
The Dred Scott decision ruled that African Americans were not citizens and Congress could not ban slavery in territories, worsening sectional conflict.
Explain one reason why control of railroads helped the Union win the war.
Railroads let the Union move troops and supplies faster, enabling larger coordinated offensives.
Explain why the Confederacy adopted a defensive strategy for much of the war.
The South sought to defend its territory and exhaust Northern will to fight; it hoped foreign recognition or Northern political pressure would force concessions.
Explain how naval blockades affected Confederate trade and supplies.
Blockades reduced exports (like cotton) and imports of weapons, causing shortages and weakening the Confederate economy.
Compare the outcomes of Gettysburg and Antietam in one or two sentences, focusing on strategic impact.
Antietam halted Lee’s invasion of the North and allowed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation; Gettysburg ended another major invasion and marked a turning point by weakening Confederate offensive capability.
Explain how “Bleeding Kansas” and the Kansas-Nebraska Act increased tensions between North and South.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act repealed the Missouri Compromise line and let settlers choose slavery status; violent clashes in Kansas (“Bleeding Kansas”) showed how explosive the issue had become.