Civil War: 1861-1865 AP US History

Introduction Immediately after the fall of Fort Sumter volunteers flocked to Union & Confederate armies. No one thought war would last long. Draft used by both governments North began war to stop secession. Did NOT start war to end slavery. Soldiers were filled with patriotism for their respective sides. During the war 1 out of every 5 men who fought died.

Part I: Mobilizing for War

Recruitment and Enlistment Initially no draft, not enough soldiers. Confederacy first to hold draft (April 1862). 20 Negro Law: Anyone owning more than 20 slaves did not have to enlist. North passed Enrollment Act in 1863. Many felt the 20 Negro law meant that this was a rich man’s war fought by the poor people. South had a very hard time providing food and clothing for their troops. South passed the Impressments Act, which allowed government agents to take food supplies from farmers at a set price and seize slaves for the army. Enrollment Act in North made all men 20 to 45 eligible to fight. A man could exempt himself if he paid a $300 fee.

Financing the War Both sides sold war bonds South printed more and more money instead of collected taxes. Money worth nothing. North passed National Bank Act. Permitted federally chartered banks to issue national bank notes.

Northern Leadership during War Time Lincoln faced opposition over bank, draft and emancipation by northern democrats. Radical Republicans wanted emancipation of slaves. Chase Sumner Thaddeus Stevens Lincoln held party together.

Southern Leadership Democratic party became fractioned in south. Confederacy had 5 Secretaries of War in 4 years. Davis felt central government had to be strong in order to win war.

Securing Union Borders Lincoln had to protect Washington D.C. Refused to let Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky and Missouri leave Union. Suspended Writ of Habeas Corpus West Virginia was created to act as a fifth border state in 1863. Lincoln claimed emergency power to ignore some Supreme Court decisions. Habeas Corpus = a court order requiring that the detained of a prisoner bring the person in custody to court to show cause for his or her detention. West Virginia was formed after 35 counties who were part of Virginia refused to secede.

Part II: In Battle 1861-1862

A War of Firsts Was the first war to use: railroads mass production of weapons iron plated ships rifle guns and artillery trench warfare telegraph technology.

Battle Information Most battles fought in the South. Confederacy had 9 million people (1/3 slaves) South trying to protect Richmond from North. North had 3.5 times more military age personnel. 1861 North had 22 million. 90% of all industry and railroads was in the North.

From Confiscation to Emancipation In inaugural address, Lincoln said he would not interfere with slavery. Lincoln was hesitant about freeing slaves Did not want to push border states to secede Congress passed 2nd Confiscation Act Permitted the seizing of slaves and using blacks as soldiers Emancipation Proclamation: delivered by Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863. “Freed” all slaves in areas of rebellion At first, the proclamation freed no slaves, but issuing it allowed the US to gain support from Europe.