Leading Figures of the Civil War
Abolitionists
Frederick Douglass Former slave Prominent abolitionist Urges President Lincoln to recruit former slaves to fight
Harriet Beecher Stowe Author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin Her emotional portrayal of slavery’s impact increases abolitionism
John Brown Fought against slavery supporters at “Bleeding Kansas” Attempted to lead a slave uprising at Harper’s Ferry, VA
Political Leaders
Abraham Lincoln 16th President of the United States Signed the Emancipation Proclamation Expands presidential powers
Jefferson Davis Former US Senator from Mississippi Elected President of the Confederacy in 1861
Generals
Ulysses S. Grant Union General Given command by Lincoln after several others failed Uses the Union’s advantage in men & resources
William T. Sherman Union General Uses a “scorched earth” strategy in the South
Robert E. Lee Confederate general Led the Army of Northern Virginia Originally opposed the South’s secession
Stonewall Jackson Confederate General Gains fame at the First Battle of Bull Run Leads battles across Virginia before his death