Lesson 22: The Origins and Opening Moves of the Civil War Flashcards
Border States
Who: Slaveholding states (Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri) that remained in the Union.
What: Strategically important states due to their resources, population, and geographical location.
Why: Controlled vital transportation routes and resources, influencing Union and Confederate strategies.
When: Throughout the Civil War (1861-1865).
How: Through political maneuvering by Lincoln and military actions to maintain Union control.
Anaconda Plan
Who: Proposed by Union General Winfield Scott.
What: A Union strategy to blockade Southern ports and control the Mississippi River.
Why: To economically strangle the Confederacy and split it geographically.
When: Devised in 1861 and implemented throughout the war.
How: By deploying the Union Navy for blockades and advancing Union forces along the Mississippi.
Battle of First Bull Run (1861)
Who: Union and Confederate forces led by Generals Irvin McDowell and P.G.T. Beauregard, respectively.
What: The first major battle of the Civil War, resulting in a Confederate victory.
Why: Demonstrated that the war would be longer and more challenging than initially anticipated.
When: July 21, 1861.
How: Through poorly coordinated Union attacks and Confederate reinforcements arriving in time to secure victory.
Battle of Shiloh (1862)
Who: Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate forces under Albert Sidney Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard.
What: A major battle in the Western Theater, resulting in a costly Union victory.
Why: Secured Union control of key areas in the Mississippi Valley.
When: April 6-7, 1862.
How: By repelling Confederate assaults and receiving reinforcements to counterattack on the second day.
