Causes of the Civil War
Why did the South rely on slavery?
The South relied on the plantation system for their economy and way of life. Slavery was essential to maintaining their culture.
What event caused the Southern states to secede?
The election of Abraham Lincoln.
What were conditions like in the South after the Civil War?
The South was in ruins, many people were poor, and many formerly enslaved people were being mistreated.
How did the Transcontinental Railroad change the West?
It made travel faster, easier, and cheaper, giving settlers incentive to move west.
Why did the U.S. army kill so many of the buffalo?
The U.S. army killed the buffalo because it was the main food source of many Native American Tribes. This forced tribes like the Sioux to surrender to the U.S. even though they never lost any battles.
What is an Abolitionist?
A person in the 1700-1800s that fought to end slavery.
What did the South appeal to to justify seceding from the United States?
They appealed to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, arguing that the Federal government was oppressing their rights.
Why did the North want to control the Mississippi River? What battle achieved this goal?
The North wanted to split the South in two, making it easier to conquer. This was achieved at the siege of Vicksburg.
How did the growth of cities and railroads impact the cattle industry?
The growth of cities and railroads led to increased demand for the cattle industry. It also made transporting cows and other goods easy and cheaper.
What happened at the Sand Creek massacre?
Two groups of Native Americans came under the protection of a U.S. fort. When they went on a hunting expedition, the U.S. army followed them and massacred them in cold blood.
Why did Westward Expansion create tension between the North and the South before the Civil War?
The North and the South were arguing over the expansion of slavery in the new territories. Both sides wanted to gain an more seats in congress to gain political power.
What happened at Fort Sumter?
South Carolina fired upon Fort Sumter, which was held by Federal troops. This started the fighting of the Civil War.
What are the Reconstruction Amendments to the Constitution?
13th amendment: Ended the private ownership of slavery.
14th amendment: Gave citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
15th amendment: Gave African American men the right to vote.
Who built the Railroads? What hardships did they face?
Immigrants from China and Europe were the main laborers on the railroads. They faced harsh conditions because of weather, long work days, and use of dynamite.
What was the last full scale battle against Native Americans on U.S. soil?
The Battle of Wounded-Knee
Why did the South threaten to secede from the United States?
The South feared the Republican Party and Abolitionists would attempt to take away slavery.
What led to the Battle of Antietam? Why was this significant?
General Lee's battle plans were discovered, and the North took the advantage to ambush the South. The North forced General Lee to retreat and this allowed Abraham Lincoln to publish the Emancipation Proclamation.
What happened at the Appomattox Court House?
General Lee surrendered to General Grant, ending the Civil War.
What was the reality of life in the West as compared to the mythical story of the West?
Life in the West was marked by hardship for most families. It wasn't an adventure for people like portrayed in stories.
How did the U.S. government try to assimilate the Native Americans?
They set up schools and forced Native American children to go to them to keep them from their families. They attempted to destroy their culture.
How did Slavery cause the Civil War?
The North and South had disagreements over slavery and the expansion of slavery into the west. This led to rising tensions between political parties. Many in the North were becoming more opposed to slavery over time, while the South became more dependent on slavery.
What is the significance of the battle of Gettysburg?
The battle of Gettysburg was one of the largest battles of the war, and was a significant defeat for the South. This ended any hope of European nations intervening in the war.
What is the Emancipation Proclamation? How did this change the goal of the Civil War?
The Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people who were in the Southern states which were rebelling. This made the Civil War more than just keeping the country together; now, the goal was to end slavery.
What is the Homestead Act?
In the Homestead Act, the government offered free land to settlers who would move west and farm on the land for 5 years.
What was the U.S. government's policy toward Native American tribes as settlers were moving west?
They promised to leave tribes alone as long as they didn't attack American settlers moving west.