1. Civil War
Part One

2. Civil War Basics Started in 1861; lasted for 4 years (1865)
At the start, thought to be a short war by all
Between the Union (the North) and the Confederates (the South)
Major cause = Slavery

3. Election and Secession (1860-61)
Election of Abraham Lincoln (Nov 1860)
Against the spread of slavery; wanted it contained and eventually abolished
Southern states felt threatened
Secession of the Deep South
Happened within months of the election
Included Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana
Wanted to protect current way of life in South

4. Confederate States of America
New country created by the Deep South states that seceded (parted) from USA
Had own:
Constitution – focused on individual state rights and independence; protected slave rights and liberal political views of whites
President – Jefferson Davis
Capital – Montgomery, Alabama

5. Confederate States of America (cont.)
Davis wanted Britain to recognize new country
Some British elite favored Confederacy; most public opinion favored United States
Britain remained neutral; did not recognize

6. WAR or PEACE? Davis wanted a peaceful split
Confederates took most forts in the Deep South from Union hands
Fort Sumter – Charleston Harbor, S. Carolina
One of last remaining forts in Union hands
Davis demanded peaceful surrender; would use force if needed (army encamped)
Lincoln – sent “food for hungry men” instead of reinforcements (did not want to start aggressions)

7. WAR! Davis declared war– attacked Fort Sumter Response to War Outbreak
April 1861
Response to War Outbreak
Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia seceded shortly after
Virginia major loss to Union – navy yards and ironworks factories
West pulled away – became West Virginia with United States
Lincoln – call to arms
Many, many signed up – 3 month term

8. The Armies of Civil War Confederacy Union Advantages Disadvantages
Profits from Cotton (world market)
Skilled generals; strong military (training)
Defending homeland (knowledge)
Disadvantages
Defending homeland (moral)
Independent state gov’t
Slave revolt concerns
Smaller population (3.5/9million slaves)
Large coastline
Advantages
Larger population (many immigrants – 1/3 of army)
Greater food production
Industrialization – Factories, railroads, workers
Lincoln – patient, skilled leader
Disadvantages
Fighting for ideal
On the offensive
Untrained soldiers

9. Bull Run
July 1861
Creek halfway between Washington (US Capital) and Richmond (new Confed. capital)
Inexperience on both sides
See-saw battle – back and forth
Confederacy wins
No retaliation by Union right away

10. Seven Days Battle June-July 1862 Battle for Richmond (Confed. capital)
Confederacy wins
Fewer soldiers and more deaths – still wins

11. Antietam
Sept 17th, 1862
Retaliation by Confederacy – on way to take Washington
Plans exposed to Union by mistake; left to intercept
Armies met near Antietam creek
Bloodiest Single-day battle in US History
26,000 deaths
Stalemate – both sides too exhausted to continue; Confederate army withdrew – Union army didn’t follow