War Strategies & Battles
Why did the Confederacy abandon the “cordon strategy” early in the war?
Because it lacked the resources to defend its entire perimeter.
Why was Maryland’s loyalty so important to the Union?
It surrounded Washington, D.C., making the capital vulnerable.
Which side had the clear population advantage in 1860?
The North (free states growing faster due to immigration).
Why did “King Cotton diplomacy” fail?
Britain found alternative cotton sources and resented Southern arrogance.
What does the term “proscriptive clauses” mean?
Constitutional clauses barring ex-Confederates from voting or office.
Which Union general’s caution during the Peninsula Campaign frustrated Lincoln?
George McClellan
Which president suspended habeas corpus, and why?
Lincoln, to keep control of key routes in Maryland.
Why did Confederate railroads fail to match Union effectiveness?
States’ rights blocked central coordination.
Britain recognized the CSA as “belligerent” but not as what?
A sovereign state.
What does the “Lost Cause” interpretation emphasize?
States’ rights and downplaying slavery as the cause of war.
What was the main innovation of Sherman’s “March to the Sea”?
Scorched earth / total war targeting Southern resources and morale
How did Lincoln’s blockade decision show political skill?
He used both domestic and international law interpretations to the Union’s advantage.
What was Jay Cooke’s major contribution to the Union war effort?
Selling war bonds by appealing to patriotism.
How did Lincoln defuse the Trent Affair?
By releasing Confederate diplomats to avoid war with Britain.
What does Lincoln’s assassination right after Appomattox show about Reconstruction?
Deep resentment would complicate reconciliation.
What was the political consequence of Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg?
It ended Confederate hopes of foreign recognition.
Which president’s impeachment reflected struggles over Reconstruction’s harshness?
Andrew Johnson
Why did Confederate paper money collapse in value?
“Greybacks” weren’t compulsory, and states printed their own notes.
Why was Russia’s naval presence in 1863 significant?
It warned Britain and France not to intervene.
Which early Reconstruction policy foreshadowed later difficulties?
Johnson’s mass pardons for ex-Confederates.
How did Grant’s lesson from Shiloh change Union strategy?
He realized only “complete conquest” could end the war.
How do Lincoln and Davis compare as wartime leaders?
Lincoln was flexible and politically skilled; Davis struggled with division and compromise.
What lesson does the CSA’s “tax-in-kind” policy show?
Logistical weakness and resentment from farmers undermined Confederate supply efforts.
Overall, why did the CSA fail to win foreign recognition?
Union diplomacy and naval power minimized its chances.
What big question should we ask to evaluate Reconstruction’s success?
Did outcomes match its aims, in context of time and place?