Chapter 17 The Civil War 1861-1865

Section 1 The Conflict Takes Shape A Nation Divided A. Both the North and the South believed that they were right in their beliefs. B. Southerners believed they had a right to leave the Union. 1. Called the conflict the “War for Southern -Independence.” C. Northerners believed they needed to preserve the Union. 1. Many northerners did not want to abolish slavery.

D. April 1861- Eight slave states were still part of the Union. 1. 4 states (VA, NC, TN, & AR) joined the Confederacy. 2. 4 border states (KY, MO, MA, DE) decided to stay part of the Union, though some citizens in these states supported the South. E. Pro-Confederate troops attacked Union troops in Baltimore, MD. 1. Lincoln declared martial law (rule by the army instead of elected government) in response.

II. Strengths and Weaknesses A. The South 1. White Southerners saw the war as a way to preserve their way of life – similar to the American Revolution. 2. Often enjoyed being able to fight on familiar terrain- often using woods as cover. 3. Had serious economic weaknesses- few factories or railroads for supplies. 4. Political issues: Confederate Constitution favored states’ rights, often making it difficult to get things done. 5. Small population: Only 9 million compared to Union’s 22 million people.

B. The North 1. Had almost 4 times the number of free citizens that the South had. 2. Industry was its greatest resource with many rail lines to run supplies. 3. Strong navy and large fleet of trading ships. 4. To bring back the South, the military had to conquer a huge area. 5. Invading unfamiliar land with much longer supply lines.

III. The War’s Leaders A. President Jefferson Davis- Confederacy 1. Strong leader, though did not want the position. 2. Widely respected for his honesty and courage. 3. Did not like to turn over control, so he spent a lot of time worrying about small details and arguing with advisors. B. President Abraham Lincoln- Union 1. Not much experience in politics or military. 2. Patient, strong leader and war planner. 3. Gained respect of those around him.

C. Military Leaders 1. Army officers of the South had to decide whether to stay in the Union army and fight against their states, or join the Confederate forces. 2. Robert E. Lee faced this dilemma when VA seceded. Ultimately joined the Confederacy. 3. Many of the Union’s best generals left the Union to lead the Confederacy.