The Start of the Civil War

Secession!: SC  Dec. 20, 1860

Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861 Confederate officials began seizing federal-mint branches, arsenals, and military posts. Confederate officials began seizing federal-mint branches, arsenals, and military posts. Fort Sumter was a Federal outpost in Charleston, SC. Fort Sumter was a Federal outpost in Charleston, SC.

Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861 Confederate forces asked for its surrender.Confederate forces asked for its surrender. Lincoln refused and sent ships with supplies.Lincoln refused and sent ships with supplies. Confederate cannons began firing on April 12, 1861.Confederate cannons began firing on April 12, Fort Sumter fell 34 hours later.Fort Sumter fell 34 hours later. The Civil War began.The Civil War began.

Rating the North & South

Slave/Free States Population, 1861

Railroad Lines, 1860

Resources: North & South

Men Present for Duty in the Civil War

The Union & Confederacy in 1861

Secession!: Post Fort Sumter

Overview of Northern Advantages Larger populationLarger population –North 22 million –South Only 9 million More ships – iron side (Monitor)More ships – iron side (Monitor) Larger, more efficient railroad systemLarger, more efficient railroad system Lincoln - Very intelligent and dedicatedLincoln - Very intelligent and dedicated More industry - 81% of nation’s factoriesMore industry - 81% of nation’s factories Better banking system to raise $ for the warBetter banking system to raise $ for the war –75% of nation’s wealth

Overview of Northern Advantages Wealth produced:Wealth produced: –Factory production –Textile goods produced – Iron production – Coal production – Farm acreage –Draft animals – Livestock – Wheat production – Corn production

Overview of Northern Disadvantages Fought on Southern landsFought on Southern lands Divided support for the warDivided support for the war Many believed the South had good chance of winningMany believed the South had good chance of winning

Overview of Southern Advantages Fighting a defensive war – –Local support of all men – –familiarity with terrain Motivation: seeking independence, unified support Short communication lines/ friendly population Experienced officer corps- (Lee, Jackson, Pickett) Cotton - necessary for textile factories of England and France Slave Labor in the early part of the war Iron clads (Merrimac, Virginia)

Overview of Southern Disadvantages Smaller population Few factories to manufacture weapons and supplies Poor transportation system Weak federal government = not strong enough to control Southern states – –Jefferson Davis did not have complete power like Lincoln

Overview North’s Civil War Strategy: “Anaconda” Plan Overview North’s Civil War Strategy: “Anaconda” Plan Goal: surround the Confederacy and squeeze them into submission

The Anaconda Plan Capture Richmond and force surrenderCapture Richmond and force surrender Expel Confederates from border statesExpel Confederates from border states Control of the Mississippi River to Stop the transport of:Control of the Mississippi River to Stop the transport of: – soldiers –Weapons –Ammunition –Clothes –Food –other supplies needed Blockade southern ports to stopBlockade southern ports to stop –cotton shipments –supplies from foreign nations – –Success – drop 5200 ships to S. ports

Southern Strategy Goal: to be recognized as an independent nation in order to preserve their way of lifeGoal: to be recognized as an independent nation in order to preserve their way of life Defend its homeland, holding onto as much territory as possible until the North got tired of fightingDefend its homeland, holding onto as much territory as possible until the North got tired of fighting Capture Washington, D.C.Capture Washington, D.C. Control border statesControl border states Gain England's supportGain England's support Expel Union troops from SouthExpel Union troops from South

Generals Southern Generals Robert E. LeeRobert E. Lee Stonewall JacksonStonewall Jackson Northern Generals George McClellanGeorge McClellan Ulysses S. GrantUlysses S. Grant William ShermanWilliam Sherman

Civil War Armaments and Technology

Wagon Trains Women – had to feed and take care of the menWomen – had to feed and take care of the men Confederate Sterling Price’s Wagon Train through Missouri stretched (reportedly) 15 milesConfederate Sterling Price’s Wagon Train through Missouri stretched (reportedly) 15 miles

Howitzers Threw 12-pound shell up to 1000 yards (1/2 mile) Could be easily disassembled & carried by mule

Gatling Gun Limited use in the Civil War rounds (bullets) in one minute

Ironclad Ships Iron covered vessels Revolving turret (cannon) Brings an end to tall-masted wooden military ships

Springfield Rifle Union Army’s standard weapon Rifled bore - greater accuracy yards (compared to 80 yards for smooth bore weapons) Gives rise to trench warfare

Telegraph Long distance communication Organized troop movement

Train Allowed for quick movement of troops & supplies All major Civil War battles took place 100 or miles less from RR tracks

Disease Disease was the chief killer in the war - claiming two soldiers for every one killed in battle. Hospitals were so unsanitary that one Union soldier lamented: "If a fellow has [to go to the] Hospital, you might as well say goodbye.” -Ken Burns - Civil War