questions 1-5
Why did the Southern states meet in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1861, and what did they accomplish there?
In February 1861, delegates from the six Southern states that had seceded from the Union convened in Montgomery, Alabama, to establish a unified government and form the Confederate States of America. At a convention in Montgomery, Alabama, the seven seceding states created the Confederate Constitution, a document similar to the United States Constitution, but with greater stress on the autonomy of each state.
Why was the attack on Fort Sumter significant in starting the Civil War?
The attack on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, is considered the spark that ignited the American Civil War. This event marked the first open conflict between the Confederacy and the Union, as it was the site of the first shots fired in the war.
In what ways was the Southern economy at a disadvantage compared to the North?
The Southern economy was at a disadvantage compared to the North due to its reliance on agriculture and slave labor, a smaller industrial base, and a less developed transportation system.
How did “Stonewall” Jackson earn his nickname, and what role did he play in that battle?
"Stonewall" Jackson earned his nickname at the First Battle of Manassas in 1861. During the battle, Confederate General Barnard Bee, seeing Jackson's brigade hold firm against the Union advance, reportedly said, "There stands Jackson like a stone wall".
What did the Emancipation Proclamation do, and why was it considered a symbolic measure?
It was primarily a military and political measure, designed to weaken the Confederacy and boost Union morale, rather than a fundamental legal change. It was considered symbolic because it didn't free all slaves, had limited enforcement, and was later superseded by the 13th Amendment.
How did Northern citizens view the creation of the Confederate States of America, and why?
Northern citizens largely viewed the creation of the Confederate States of America as a betrayal and a threat to the Union because the Southern states saw it as an attempt to secede from the Union.
What were the five Border States, and why were they unique in the Civil War?
The border states were slave states and consisted of Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and West Virginia. These states were unique because they remained loyal to the Union despite allowing slavery, creating a "middle ground" between the North and South.
What was the basic military strategy of the Confederacy, and how did it influence their battle plans?
The Confederacy's primary military strategy focused on defending its territory and wearing down the Union's will to fight.
How did the Union respond to its defeat at Bull Run?
Following its defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, the Union responded by recognizing the war would be longer and more difficult than initially anticipated, and by taking steps to strengthen its military.
How did the Emancipation Proclamation shift the purpose of the Civil War?
The Emancipation Proclamation shifted the Civil War's purpose from primarily preserving the Union to also include the abolition of slavery.
Who was Jefferson Davis, and what qualifications made him the choice for President of the Confederacy?
Jefferson Davis was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America, serving from 1861 to 1865. Davis was a popular President with the Southern people. He had a dignified bearing, a distinguished military record, extensive experience in political affairs, and—most importantly—a dedication to the Confederate cause.
Explain the strategic value the Border States provided to the Union during the Civil War.
The Border States were strategically vital to the Union during the Civil War because they provided manpower, resources, and geographic control that could have significantly strengthened the Confederacy if they had joined it.
Describe the Union’s strategy to end the war quickly and how this included economic targets.
This included a naval blockade to cut off Southern trade, controlling the Mississippi River to divide the Confederacy, capturing the Confederate capital, Richmond, and destroying key economic and military infrastructure in the South.
What led to the Battle of Antietam, and why was it such a significant conflict?
It is considered one of the most significant conflicts of the Civil War because it led to the Emancipation Proclamation and prevented a Confederate victory that could have changed the course of the war. Lee wanted to attack the North on its territory.
What impact did the Emancipation Proclamation have on African American enlistment in the Union Army?
The Emancipation Proclamation had a significant impact on African American enlistment in the Union Army, opening the door for their participation and dramatically increasing the number of Black soldiers serving.
How did Lincoln respond to the Confederate threat at Fort Sumter?
In response to the Confederate threat at Fort Sumter, President Lincoln sent supplies to the fort but did not initially send reinforcements. He also called for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion and established a coastal blockade. This was a strategic approach to avoid provoking immediate conflict while preparing for a broader war effort.
How did the geography and economy of the Border States influence the outcome of the war?
Their influence extended to military strategy, economic stability, and even the direction of the war's course.
What was the Anaconda Plan, and how did it aim to weaken the South?
The "Anaconda Plan," devised by General Winfield Scott, aimed to defeat the Confederacy through a multi-pronged strategy: a naval blockade of Southern ports to cut off trade, and a combined land and naval attack along the Mississippi River to split the Confederacy in two.
Why did the Union consider Antietam a victory even though both sides suffered heavy losses?
The Union declared Antietam a strategic victory despite heavy casualties on both sides because the Confederate invasion of Maryland was halted, and Lee's army was forced to retreat to Virginia.
Why was the Battle of Gettysburg considered a turning point in the Civil War?
The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a turning point in the Civil War because it marked the peak of the Confederate advance into the North and ultimately led to the Confederacy's decline.
What choice did Lincoln force the Confederacy to make regarding Fort Sumter, and how did they respond?
Lincoln forced the Confederacy to choose between allowing a Union relief expedition to resupply Fort Sumter or attacking it. The Confederacy responded by attacking Fort Sumter, thus initiating the Civil War.
How did the North's control of the railroads impact its ability to fight the war?
The North's superior railroad network significantly boosted its war effort by enabling swift troop and supply movements and disrupting Confederate supply lines.
What happened during the First Battle of Bull Run, and what was its outcome?
The First Battle of Bull Run, fought on July 21, 1861, was the first major land battle of the Civil War, resulting in a decisive Confederate victory.
How did the Battle of Antietam influence Lincoln’s decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation?
It gave President Abraham Lincoln the confidence to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation at a moment of strength rather than desperation.
Describe Pickett’s Charge and its impact on the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg.
The charge, which saw approximately 12,500 Confederate soldiers attempt to breach the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge, resulted in heavy losses and a decisive Union victory. Pickett's Charge was ultimately a futile all-out assault on an extremely fortified Union position.