Chapter 11 African Americans and the Civil War ( )

Who’s Who in the Civil War The North = Union, Yankees (blue) –Abraham Lincoln (President) –Numerous leaders, but Ulysses S. Grant at end of war Strategy: Protect the Union (as in USA) –Gain control of Southern coast, West via Mississippi River, and in Deep South – Implement Anaconda Plan to squeeze South

Overview of the North’s Civil War Strategy: “Anaconda” Plan Overview of the North’s Civil War Strategy: “Anaconda” Plan

The “Anaconda” Plan

Who’s Who in the Civil War The South = Confederates, Rebels (grey) –Jefferson Davis (President) –Numerous leaders, but Robert E. Lee at end of war Strategy: Fight a “War of Attrition” –Get England or France to help due to cotton needs –Wear North down

Section 1 - The Civil War Begins Lincoln’s Aim - Preserve the Union! –Helping/hindering black people was secondary –Especially concerned about the border states – keep them with Union cause –Call for 75,000 volunteers to serve for 3 months –Black volunteers rejected

Essential Questions At the start of the Civil War, what was Abraham Lincoln’s primary objective and how did he work to achieve it?

Union Progress ( )

Section 1 - Black Men Volunteer and Are Rejected Black population realized that –Fate of Union was tied to issue of slavery –And the fate of slavery was tied to the outcome of war They understood this before northerners –New York, Philadelphia, Boston made various attempts to offer services –Prepped to be ready whenever called upon to serve

Essential Questions Why did black men volunteer to fight?

Section 1 - Union Policies toward Confederate Slaves Slaves started liberating themselves as soon as the war started US Gov’t had no specific policy to deal with these slaves Union leaders usually more concerned for slave owner’s interests –Some leaders returned slaves who had fled (especially if they supported the Union)

African-American Troops Served as Teamsters These African-American troops served as teamsters for the Union Army in Virginia. Most Northern white people—including political leaders—believed that black men lacked the courage and fortitude for combat. They expected black men would do little more as soldiers than haul freight, erect fortifications, serve guard duty, and prepare food.

“Contraband” – Fortress Monroe (VA – May 1861) General Benjamin Butler refused to return three runaway slaves under the terms of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, because Virginia was no longer part of the USA! –Slaves were declared as contraband (means enemy property) –Leads to First Confiscation Act, August 1861 (clarifies slave status)

A Ride for Liberty - The Fugitive Slaves A Ride for Liberty—The Fugitive Slaves, On March 23, 1862, artist Eastman Johnson was with General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac near Manassas, Virginia. Just before dawn, Johnson witnessed a family of three fleeing slavery, and he was prompted to commit the episode to canvas. SOURCE: Oil on board, The Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Miss Gwendolyn O.L. Conkling.

“Contraband” – Reaction by Black Leaders Upset that Blacks could not enlist Also upset that the plight of the enslaved were ignored General David Hunter abolished slavery in areas of SC, GA, and FL –Lincoln revokes order and reprimands him –Slaves took freedom seriously as Union troops take over area

Essential Questions How did African Americans respond as the Civil War began in 1861?

Section 2 – Lincoln and Emancipation Lincoln’s initial position = reluctant to move against slavery –Wanted to keep border state loyalty –He supported compensated emancipation- colonization Black Americans, abolitionists, and growing number of Republicans were upset that slavery wasn’t abolished by Lincoln!

Section 2 - Lincoln Moves toward Emancipation Realizes that victory in war and the reestablishment of the Union were tied to slavery issue –Emancipation would “Strike at the heart of the rebellion” –Tells his cabinet, summer 1862 –Warned to wait for major victory so it does not look like a desperate move by a losing leader

Section 2 - Lincoln Delays Emancipation Waited for a major victory on the battlefield Did not come until September 1862 at Antietam

Battle of Antietam “Bloodiest Single Day of the War” 23,000 casualties in one day! September 17, 1862

Essential Questions How did Lincoln’s policies on slavery change as the Civil War continued?

First Four Essential Questions from Chapter 11.1 and 11.2 At the start of the Civil War, what was Abraham Lincoln’s primary objective and how did he work to achieve it? Why did black men volunteer to fight? How did African Americans respond as the Civil War began in 1861? How did Lincoln’s policies on slavery change as the Civil War continued?