The Politics of the Civil War

Old King Cotton is Dead Britain is no longer dependent on cotton. o WHAT DOS THIS MEAN FOR THE SOUTH? Britain had found cotton in Egypt and India. When their wheat crops failed, they turned to wheat and corn production from…….THE NORTH! Britain stressestheir need for neutrality

The Trent Incident The Confederate government sends two diplomats to Britain: James Mason John Slidell Attempt to gain recognition of the Confederacy.

Mason and Slidell traveled on board the British ship, Trent. They are stopped and arrested by an American warship, the San Jacinto Because of this, Britain threatens war. o Dispatches 8,000 troops to Canada Fight only one war at a time! o Lincoln releases two men

The Alabama Claims Britain sells the Confederacy ships o WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS IF THEY ARE NEUTRAL? REMEMBER: One of these ships (the Alabama) sinks 64 American merchant ships. America bills Britain after the war for $19 million in damages; settle for $15.5 million in 1872.

The Fight for Abolition Some Northerners realized that winning the war would not be enough unless abolition was finally settled. “The mere suppression of the rebellion will be an empty mockery of our suffering and sacrifices, if slavery shall be spared to canker the heart of the nation anew, and repeat its diabolical deeds.”

The Fight for Abolition Although Lincoln disliked slavery, he did not believe he had the right to abolish it. He is urged by abolitionist Greeley to turn the war into the a fight for abolition, but Lincoln says his goal is to: _____________________ _____________ ________________ He eventually finds a way to use his power to end slavery. o HOW DO YOU THINK HE WILL DO THIS?

The Emancipation Proclamation Lincoln realizes… o The Confederacy uses slave labor as a way to grow food and build fortifications. o One of his abilities as Commander-in-Chief is to order the seize of enemy resources. o Union army could emancipate the slaves! Benefits: o DISCOURAGE BRITAIN FROM SUPPORTING THE CONFEDERATES Slavery-- Not just a moral issue, a weapon of war.

The Emancipation Proclamation PRIMARY SOURCE ACTIVITY: Individually, you will read the Emancipation Proclamation and answer the following questions: On your copy, underline the places where it indicates that slaves are free. 1. When does this go into effect? 2. Who is ordered to protect their freedom? 3. Once the slaves are under Union control, what will they do? 4. List the possible moral and military effects of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Emancipation Proclamation The Proclamation did not free any slaves immediately because it applied only to areas outside of Union control Did not apply to slave states in the Union or Southern territories occupied by Union troops Military Action: only Rebels Proclamation had immense symbolic importance… o WHAT WILL THIS SHOW THE NORTH? THE SOUTH? THE WORLD???

Reactions Gave the war a high moral purpose—struggle becomes a fight for freedom. o What does this say for Northern motivation? “Men squealed, women fainted, dogs barked, white and colored people shook hands, songs were sung, and by this time the cannons began to fire at the navy yard…the President came to the window…and thousands told him, if he would come out of that palace, they would hug him to death…”

Reactions Free blacks enlisted in the Union army to help with the cause to end slavery. Did not please everyone: o DEMOCRATS- PROLONG THE WAR BY ANTAGONIZING THE SOUTH o MANY SOLDIERS SAID THEY DID NOT CARE BUT WOULD FIGHT TO PRESERVE THE UNION Confederates were ENRAGED! They fought more determined than ever to preserve their way of life.

Reactions COMPROMISE IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE! After January 1863, it was a war to the death.

Divided Loyalties Many Southern sympathizers existed in the North. Lincoln reacted to their violent attempts to stop Union troops by suspending HABEAS CORPUS o WHAT IS HABEAS CORPUS???? Afraid that MD would secede, and to put down riots. o 13,000 are arrested and held.

Chief Justice Taney declares that Lincoln has gone beyond his powers, but he is ignored. Northern Democrats (Copperheads) are arrested for advocating peace in the South. Ohio congressman is tried for urging Union soldiers to desert. Lincoln banishes him to the South.

Jefferson Davis suspends habeas corpus for the same reasons in It is clear that it is difficult to fight a war with traitors living on your side. These actions, particularly Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus sets the precedence for future Presidents in wartime.

Why all the violence?

Conscription Armies face too many casualties to count on volunteers only. Need a conscription/draft. CONFEDERACY Men (becomes in 1864) Wealthy men can hire substitutes Planters with 20+ slaves are exempt UNION Men Wealthy men can hire substitutes Offered “bounties” to volunteers

Conscription Bounty jumping— o MEN WOULD ENLIST o TAKE BOUNTY o DESERT ARMY o CHANGE NAME o JOIN ANOTHER UNIT o COLLECT ANOTHER BOUNTY

Draft Riots Northern resentment to the draft led to riots. It was unfair for poor white workers to fight for emancipation o Slaves would become free, move North, and take jobs. o Attacked well-dressed men and women, especially African Americans. 11 African Americans are lynched, homes are smashed, burned a black orphanage.