The Civil War (1861-1865) Key People of the War

Jefferson Davis President of the Confederate States of America West Point graduate Served in Mexican War Former Secretary of War Respected for honor and courage Did not like to turn over details of military planning, so spent much time arguing with advisers

Abraham Lincoln President of the U.S. Did not have much experience in national politics or military matters, but proved to be a patient but strong leader and a fine war planner Liked for his sense of humor Gained the respect of those around him

Robert E. Lee Commander of the Confederate Army A Virginian plantation owner West Point graduate Arrested John Brown during the Raid of Harper’s Ferry. Lincoln offered him the position as commander of the Union Army, but he refused the position.

General Ulysses S. Grant General of the Union Army Graduate of West Point Fought in Mexican War Wrote terms of Surrender to prevent treason trials of Confederate Leaders Later became the 18th President of the United States

Lincoln brought in General Ambrose Burnside to replace McClellan. After General George McClellan failed to act on his information about Lee’s plans at Antietam, Lincoln decided he needed a change in leadership of the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln brought in General Ambrose Burnside to replace McClellan. Lincoln said McClellan had a “case of the slows”

Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson. In May of 1863, Lee and Jackson’s forces would get another victory, at the Battle of Chancellorsville. But it would come at a high cost. During the battle, nervous Confederate soldiers fired at what they thought was an approaching Union soldier, but turned out to be “Stonewall” Jackson. Jackson would die from his injuries days later.

General Philip Sheridan General William Tecumseh Sherman Goal was to head to the fertile farm land of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. General William Tecumseh Sherman Goal was to head to Atlanta, Georgia and then onto the Atlantic Ocean.

The 54th Massachusetts Regiment is the most famous of the African American regiments. They accepted African Americans from across the North, with Frederick Douglass helping to recruit troops, including two of his sons. On July 18, 1863, they led an attack on Fort Wagner, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Sergeant William Carney The first of 16 African American soldiers to win the Congressional Medal of Honor in the Civil War. Born as a slave in Virginia. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton told Lincoln that such soldiers had “proved themselves among the bravest of the brave.”

Philip Bazaar A Chilean immigrant Lived in Massachusetts U.S. Navy during Civil War Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery

Henry Clay A “War Hawk” Involved in the “Corrupt Bargain”, helping Adams become President The “Great Compromiser” Wrote Missouri Compromise and Compromise of 1850 Ran for US President 3 times but never was elected

Daniel Webster Leader of Federalist Party Lawyer for the Gibbons v. Ogden and McCulloch v. Maryland court cases. Believed in federal sovereignty – said “Liberty and Union now and forever, one and inseparable.”

John C. Calhoun Senator from South Carolina Vice President of US under John Q. Adams and Andrew Jackson Believed in States’ Rights and Nullification

Clara Barton Clara Barton Clara Barton Clara Barton established an agency to obtain and distribute supplies to wounded soldiers. She obtained permission to travel behind the lines, and saw some of the grimmest battlefields of the war. She founded the American Red Cross

Other Key People of the Civil War Key Person ( Date/ Location) Role in the War Historical Significance