Secession of the South Reasons for secession –Emotional—Felt the North wants to establish black rule in the South. Their goal is not equality, but the reversal of roles for the races. –Economic--the policies of a Republican president--protective tariffs, free homesteads in the west, etc.--will prevent the South from prospering.

The North and the South Compared North's advantages –Potential fighting and working force: 20 million citizens Free male population (ages 18-60): –Transportation--superior in every respect Railroad mileage: Naval ships

Northern reaction to secession –Most opposed forcing the South to return to the Union –Pres. Buchanan refused to act when a federal supply ship was attacked in Charleston Harbor in January 1861 Fort Sumter –South demanded US General to surrender fort –Lincoln had big decision to make Defend –start war Do nothing and allow fort taken over Lincoln decided to send Supplies to Ft. Sumter in Charleston Harbor (April 12, 1861) –Confederates opened fire on the fort, starting the war

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

South's advantages over the North Fighting a defensive war. Local support and familiarity with terrain Positive goal: seeking independence Short communication lines and friendly population United public in contrast to the North. Non-slaveholders eager to volunteer to fight Experienced officer corps--many veterans of the Mexican-American War joined the Confederacy Cotton (24:1 advantage over North)--necessary for textile factories of England and France

Early Strategies of the Opposing Sides North –Capture Richmond and force surrender –Expel Confederates from border states –Control the Mississippi River –Blockade southern ports and stop cotton shipments

South –Capture Washington, D.C. –Control border states –Gain England's support –Expel Union troops from South

Lincoln’s Call to Arms Asked for 75,000 troops for 3 months from all Union states –Iowa 10x their quota –Indian 2x quota

Virginia Secedes Did not want to fight fellow Southern States Most prestigious, industrial, and populated Southern State –TN, KY, NC follow –WV was anti-slavery and secedes from VA and joins the Union in 1863 MD, DE remain loyal to the Union, but still have slaves, many citizens from these states join the Confederate army

Waging War Raising the Union Army –Lincoln issues call for 75,000 volunteers in 1861 to supplement 16,000 man army. –Although volunteer call succeeded at first, by 1863 Congress turned to a draft to fill units. States could avoid draft by filling quotas of volunteers. Draft opposed by Peace Democrats, laborers, and immigrants –Draft riots resulted in New York City in July 1863, causing hundreds of deaths, mostly of blacks

Lincoln's enormous political problems –Seen as inexperienced and unfit, he was challenged by members of his own cabinet, including Chase and Seward (See Chart for more problems)