Election of Lincoln to National Division

1860 Presidential Election Republicans nominate Abraham Lincoln, who was opposed the expansion of slavery in the western territories. Democratic party splits Northern Democrats nominate Illinois Senator, Stephen A. Douglas, who favored popular-sovereignty Southern Democrats nominate Vice-President John Breckinridge of Kentucky, who favored the spread of slavery to western territories Southern states feared the election of Lincoln; feared he would end slavery everywhere South Carolina’s governor announced that his state would secede if Lincoln were elected. Because of the split in the Democratic Party, Lincoln did win.

Formation of the Confederacy After Lincoln’s election, South Carolina became the first state to secede (December 20, 1860) By Feb. 1, 1861, six other states (known as the Lower South) seceded – Alabama – Georgia – Florida – Louisiana – Mississippi – Texas Delegates from these 7 states met Feb. 4-18, 1861 in Montgomery, AL to form the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis was chosen as President of the Confederacy.

Formation of the Confederacy The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861, as the South fired on Union troops holding the fort. After Ft. Sumter and Lincoln’s call for volunteers for the Union Army, the states of North Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee (known as Upper South) will secede, bringing the total of Confederate states to 11. The capital will be moved from Montgomery to Richmond, VA. The border states of Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri, where slavery was legal, remained in the Union.

Civil War Strategy/Strengths

North Invade the South Destroy the South’s ability to fight Lower morale so South would not want to fight Apply a naval blockade to keep South from getting supplies Seize the Mississippi River and divide the Confederacy east to west. Enact the Anaconda Plan (plan to blockade the South from getting supplies and foreign aid) More men, money, equipment, factories, railroads

South Prolong the war until the North grew tired of fighting. Convince European nations (especially Britain and France) to support the South. Fight a defensive war on familiar territory Superior Military leaders.

Pockets of Resistance to Secession

Western Counties of Virginia These counties did not favor secession and when VA seceded, they formed a separate government loyal to the Union. This area became the state of West Virginia in 1863

Winston County, Alabama People here did not agree with secession; most did not serve in the Confederate Army and many supported the Union. In 1862, the people of the county gathered at Looney’s Tavern in the city of Houston and announced their neutrality This county is sometimes called the Free State of Winston