Chapter 17 Section 1 “The Conflict Takes Shape” United States of America The Confederate States of America

Misconceptions About the War Both sides felt that their cause was just. The south believed that the north was trampling on its rights. They were fighting to preserve the southern way of life.The north felt that the south had no right to leave the union. They fought to preserve the Union. Each side, though, thought that the war would only last a few weeks at the longest. In the beginning of the war, abolishing slavery was NOT a goal of the north.

The Border States As the war began, the question became which states would secede. Seven of the states that allowed slavery had already seceded, but there were eight left. Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas all joined the Confederacy (the south). Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland and Delaware were southern states that sided with the union (the north). We call these states the border states. Some people living in the border states that were loyal to the south attacked Union troops in Maryland. Lincoln declared martial law – or rule by army instead of elected officials do deal with them.

Review Questions What was Lincoln’s one and only goal at the beginning of the Civil War? What do we call those states? Explain what martial law is and why Lincoln declared martial law?

Southern Advantages & Disadvantages Each side in the Civil War had its strengths and weaknesses. The 2 big advantage for the South was that it was going to be fighting a defensive war and that it had better military leadership. This means that the south got to wait for the north to come to them. Another advantage is that southerners knew their land very well. They knew good places to hide and set up forts. The South, however, also had some disadvantages in the war. The south had few factories to produce weapons and other vital supplies. It also had few railroads to move troops and supplies. Also, the south had a much smaller population than the north. Another major disadvantage was that the south had no navy. Lastly, the southern population was about 9 million to the northern 22 million, and many counted in the southern population were slaves. Southern Advantages & Disadvantages

Northern Advantages & Disadvantages The north had advantages and disadvantages as well. The north had almost four times as many free citizens as the south. They had many factories that could make their supplies. The north also had the majority of the railroad lines. The north also had a strong Navy. The north had two big disadvantages. They were going to have to go and attack the south. This would mean fighting a war in a land that northerners were not familiar with. Also, the north, at times, had poor military leadership.

Review Questions Describe two advantages that the south had during the civil war? Who chose to fight a defensive war? What advantages did the north have going into the Civil War?

Take Me To Your Leader Many people thought the southern president, Jefferson Davis, would be a better leader than Lincoln because he had more military experience. Lincoln, though, would prove himself time and time again as more than capable to do the job. Lincoln offered command of the Union Army to a Virginian named Robert E. Lee. Lee refused when Virginia seceded from the union. Instead, Robert E. Lee became the leader of the Confederate Army. Many of the army’s best officers served the Confederacy. As a result, President Lincoln had trouble finding generals to match those of the South.

Review Questions Describe one strength and weakness of Abraham Lincoln? Describe one strength and weakness of Jefferson Davis?