The Civil War Flashcards
How did the Union and Confederate armies compare in size at their peak?
The Union had 1 million soldiers, while the Confederacy had 600,000 soldiers, mobilizing a greater proportion of its population.
What advantages did the South have in the Civil War?
- Strong military leadership (e.g., Robert E. Lee).
- Rural society suited for cavalry and horsemanship.
- Defensive strategies benefited from rifled muskets and Minié bullets.
- Large territory difficult to conquer.
What challenges did the Confederacy face?
- 3,550 miles of coastline and 189 harbors were hard to blockade.
- Maintaining control over a vast area.
What were Abraham Lincoln’s strengths as a leader?
- Focused on the war effort and public opinion.
- Delegated effectively and made decisive moves (e.g., $2M for blockade).
- Balanced political and military strategy; upheld martial law when needed.
What were Abraham Lincoln’s weaknesses as a leader?
- Limited military experience.
- Poor choice of commanders early on (e.g., McClellan, Burnside).
What were Jefferson Davis’s strengths as a leader?
- Military and administrative experience.
- Realistic strategy, supported conscription, martial law, and impressment.
- Trusted generals like Robert E. Lee.
What were Jefferson Davis’s weaknesses as a leader?
- Poor relationships with colleagues; high cabinet turnover.
- Conservative leadership failed to inspire revolutionary zeal.
- Ineffective communication and decision-making.
How did the Union Cabinet support Lincoln?
- Stable and effective leadership (e.g., Seward, Stanton, Welles).
- Some controversies, such as Chase being outspoken and Cameron’s corrupt reputation.
How did the Confederate Cabinet affect Davis’s leadership?
- Some stability (e.g., Benjamin, Mallory, Reagan stayed throughout).
- High turnover due to feuds; inefficiency in decision-making.
What advantages did the Union Congress have?
- Republican majority after Southern members left.
- Radicals usually supported Lincoln.
What issues did the Confederate Congress face?
- Lack of cohesive opposition.
- Squabbling and no party organization to support Davis.
- Clashing principles over central control versus states’ rights.
How did states contribute to the Union war effort?
- Republican-controlled states raised troops and cooperated with the federal government.
- Democrat-controlled states did not actively hinder the war effort.
How did states impact the Confederate war effort?
- Some states cooperated and passed necessary legislation.
- Others resisted central authority, e.g., Georgia’s governor opposing conscription.
How did volunteers support the Union?
- Organizations like the Sanitary Commission helped supply troops.
- Women raised funds, knitted, and prepared bandages.
How did volunteers support the Confederacy?
- Local leaders and planters funded regiments.
- Women made clothing, flags, and provided aid to troops and the poor.
How did the Union finance the war?
- Strong Treasury with loans, bonds, and income tax (3% on incomes over $800).
- Legal Tender Act issued $150M in paper money.
- National Banking Acts (1863, 1864) stabilized finances.
How did the Confederacy finance the war?
- Impressment Act (1863) and Taxation-in-Kind Act allowed seizure of goods and crops.
- Faced challenges: limited gold reserves, Union blockade, massive inflation.
What caused financial difficulties for the Confederacy?
- Reluctance of states to contribute funds.
- Inflation eroded morale; 8% of income from taxes.
- European financiers unwilling to loan money to a “lost cause.”
How many African Americans sought refuge in the North during the Civil War?
Approximately 500,000-700,000 slaves sought refuge in the North.
What was the significance of the First Confiscation Act for African Americans?
It allowed slaves to leave their owners and set the precedent for military employment.
How many African Americans served as Union soldiers?
Nearly 180,000 African Americans served as soldiers in the Union Army.
What roles did African Americans play besides being soldiers?
They grew cotton, produced food, worked in logistics and construction, and supported increased industry demands.
How did the Militia Act (July 1862) impact African Americans in the military?
It allowed African Americans to join “any military or naval service for which they were found competent,” enabling freed slaves to fight for the Union.
What were notable battles that highlighted the contributions of African American soldiers?
- Port Hudson: Showed good strategy and resilience despite defeat.
- Milliken’s Bend: African American soldiers won against Confederate forces when white soldiers fled.
- Fort Wagner: Demonstrated resilience, bravery, and strength despite a loss.
How were African Americans recognized after their contributions?
By the end of 1862, some became captains, lieutenants, and a major. Their efforts gained recognition, especially after Hancock’s Corps performed well.
What challenges did African Americans face in the Union Army?
- Some white soldiers initially resisted serving alongside them.
- Prejudices persisted, with some officers assigning African Americans to labor tasks rather than combat.
What roles did African Americans play in the Confederate war effort?
- Worked as laborers, harvesting food, producing crops, digging trenches, mining, maintaining railroads, and growing cotton to fund the war.
How did African Americans indirectly hinder the Confederacy?
- Many escaped to the Union side, damaging Confederate labor and morale.
- Some slaves helped others escape, burned crops, or resisted cooperation, undermining the Confederate economy.
Why did Confederate leaders avoid using African Americans as soldiers?
Jefferson Davis ensured they were not integrated into the ranks, though some Southern states allowed free African Americans to join militias.
What legal precedent influenced the Emancipation Proclamation?
The First Confiscation Act set a precedent by allowing escaped slaves to be employed by the Union.
How did the Emancipation Proclamation provide ideological motivation for the Union?
It framed the war as a moral crusade against slavery, portraying the Confederacy as evil and unjust.
What international impact did the Emancipation Proclamation have?
It ended the possibility of Britain and France recognizing the Confederacy as an independent nation.
How did the Emancipation Proclamation influence African American participation in the war?
It supported the Militia Act (July 1862), encouraging African Americans to join the Union military.
How did early Northern generals contribute to Union success?
They excelled at building professional armies, exemplified by McClellan’s Army of the Potomac. Well-drilled troops improved from the chaos of First Bull Run to disciplined defense at Gettysburg under Meade.
How did Grant and Sherman shift Union tactics during the Civil War?
- Moved from decisive battles to prolonged campaigns.
- Adopted “total war,” targeting Confederate society and infrastructure.
- Emphasized sustained pressure, “simultaneous movement all along the line.”
- Grant accepted high casualties (“Butcher’s Bill”) to achieve objectives.
What was Grant’s approach to modern warfare?
He embraced attritional tactics, focusing on destroying Confederate armies rather than capturing land.
What were Lee’s key military achievements?
- Drove McClellan’s larger Union force out of Virginia (1862).
- Led key victories at Fredericksburg (1862) and Chancellorsville (1863).
- Successfully attacked the North at Antietam and Gettysburg despite limited resources.
How did Lee inspire his men and Southern morale?
- His offensive tactics boosted morale.
- Avoided guerrilla warfare to present the South as a legitimate nation to Britain and France.
What were Lee’s strategic strengths?
- Forced Grant into costly battles like the Wilderness.
- Offensive tactics nearly weakened Northern morale to the point of Lincoln fearing defeat in the 1864 election.
What were Lee’s strategic flaws?
- Overly offensive, leading to high casualties (e.g., Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg).
- His focus on Virginia ignored the Western front.
- Refused guerrilla warfare, potentially missing a chance to prolong the war.
What criticisms exist regarding Lee’s impact on Confederate resources?
Historians argue Lee’s tactics drained Confederate manpower, with huge losses in key battles like Gettysburg.
What were Grant’s notable victories?
- Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, and the Wilderness Campaign.
- His Western campaigns, including capturing Atlanta, secured Lincoln’s re-election in 1864.
How did Grant adapt to the realities of modern warfare?
He adopted attritional tactics, understanding the need to wear down Confederate forces despite high Union casualties.
What leadership qualities did Grant demonstrate?
- Determination (“Whatever happens, there will be no turning back”).
- Resourcefulness and tactical skill, focusing on destroying Confederate armies.
What were criticisms of Grant’s tactics?
- High casualty rates, e.g., 17,500 in two days during the Wilderness Campaign.
- Success attributed to Union’s numerical and resource superiority rather than Grant’s skill.
How was Grant’s reputation affected post-war?
Tarnished due to allegations of corruption during his presidency and his reputation as a “butcher.”
When and by whom was the naval blockade proclaimed?
Proclaimed by Lincoln on 19 April 1861.
What challenges did the Union face when implementing the blockade?
- Only 90 ships, with few ready for war.
- Navy consisted of 8,800 men.
- Needed to blockade 5,500 km of coastline.
How did the Union Navy expand during the war?
- Converted merchant ships for blockade duty.
- By December 1861, 260 warships were on duty and 100 more under construction due to efforts of Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles.
How did the Union achieve naval supremacy?
- Improved effectiveness: by 1864, 33% of ships attempting to evade the blockade were captured (up from 10% in 1861).
- Captured key Confederate ports, e.g., New Orleans in April 1862 under Admiral Farragut.
What naval efforts did the Confederacy undertake to combat the blockade?
- Built ironclad CSS Virginia, which sank two Union ships in March 1862 but was damaged and scuttled.
- Purchased raiders like the Alabama and Florida from Britain, which sank or captured 200 Union merchant ships, costing the Union millions.
How effective was the blockade in reducing Southern trade?
- Southern trade reduced by over 50%.
- Cotton exports dropped from 10 million bales annually pre-war to 0.5 million bales during 1862-65.
- Shortages led to inflation in the South.
How many ships cleared the blockade, and what does this indicate?
8,000 vessels cleared the blockade, but this was a fraction of the pre-war average of 20,000 ships annually.
What kinds of ships succeeded in evading the blockade?
Small, fast, and light ships; some had to jettison cargo, limiting their effectiveness in bringing in supplies.
How did the blockade unintentionally boost the Confederacy?
- Suggested the Confederacy was an independent nation since blockades could only be imposed on hostile countries under international law.
What was the Southern “cotton embargo,” and why was it a wasted opportunity?
- The South stopped exporting cotton to force Britain and France to recognize its independence.
- It backfired as:
1. The blockade wasn’t initially effective, and they missed the chance to trade.
2. Europe resented being “held to ransom.”
3. Europe blamed the South, not the North, for the lack of cotton.
How did Lincoln’s leadership impact Union success?
- Gained public respect and won re-election in 1864.
- Framed secession as rebellion, uniting the Union narrative.
What were Jefferson Davis’s key leadership flaws?
- Poor relations with generals; hesitant to appoint Lee as commander.
- Ineffective communication and lack of warmth in speeches.
- Flawed judgment of character and strategy.
What criticisms were made of Lincoln’s leadership?
- Administration criticized for unfair handling of the draft.
- Initially lacked experience and failed to grip the war effectively in early years.
What were Davis’s leadership strengths?
- Military experience and sustained a war effort against significant odds.
- Appointed Josiah Gorgas as head of ordnance, ensuring weapon supply.
How did Lincoln manage his government effectively?
- Empowered cabinet members and balanced war efforts with domestic policies (e.g., Homestead Act).
- Took decisive action to secure border states.
- Issued the Emancipation Proclamation with strong timing and strategy.
How did Davis mismanage Confederate leadership?
- Allowed western campaigns to falter (e.g., fall of Vicksburg, loss of Atlanta).
- Failed to resolve disputes between generals.
- Neglected using the 3.5 million enslaved people as military manpower until too late.
What evidence suggests Lincoln’s leadership wasn’t decisive?
- Failed to appoint successful generals early on.
- Poor handling of Native American policies and unclear strategy for freed slaves.
How did Davis’s leadership help the Confederate effort?
Maintained weapon supplies despite limited resources.
How did Lincoln manage Union finances effectively?
Supported Salmon P. Chase, managing inflation and war financing effectively.
What were the Confederate financial weaknesses under Davis?
- Flawed financial system and inability to address food shortages.
- Cotton embargo backfired, harming the Southern economy without gaining foreign recognition.
What financial criticisms were made of Lincoln’s leadership?
Lured into costly projects (e.g., Richmond campaigns) due to initial lack of strategy.
How did Lincoln’s actions contribute to Union victory?
- Ensured sustained Union military efforts despite early setbacks.
- Strong timing in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, boosting Union morale.
What were Davis’s strategic failures?
- Allowed Lee’s invasions of the North (1862-63), squandering defensive advantages.
- Mismanagement of western campaigns weakened Confederate resistance.
What common military challenges did Lincoln and Davis face?
- Both initially relied on incompetent generals.
- Both men remained loyal to flawed military leaders despite high casualties.
Why was Lincoln’s leadership decisive for Union victory?
- Unified public opinion and maintained public support during critical periods.
- Successfully coordinated war efforts alongside domestic policies.
Why was Davis’s leadership decisive for Confederate defeat?
Poor decision-making and inability to resolve internal disputes weakened Confederate cohesion.
What arguments suggest leadership wasn’t the decisive factor in the war’s outcome?
- Both leaders faced significant challenges and shared flaws, such as reliance on ineffective generals.
- External factors (e.g., Union’s industrial strength, Confederate resource limitations) played a larger role.
What were the key failures of McClellan’s early campaigns?
- Humiliating defeat at Bull Run despite superior forces.
- Slow action allowed Lee to strengthen Richmond’s defenses and counterattack in the Seven Days Battles.
- Missed chance for a rapid attack and initiative shifted to Confederacy.
When was McClellan’s early campaigns?
March-August 1862
How did McClellan’s campaigns impact the Union army long-term?
- Union built a well-trained and organized army (Army of the Potomac).
- However, failures ended hopes of an early victory and allowed Lee to invade Maryland.
When was Shiloh?
April 6-7 1862
What happened at the Battle of Shiloh?
- Confederate surprise attack drove Grant’s forces back but was countered the next day.
- Union won but with high casualties (Union: 13,000; Confederate: 10,609).
Why was Shiloh significant?
- Marked a shift to war of attrition with high tolls on both sides.
- South lost Sidney Johnston, weakening their western campaign.
- Lincoln showed conviction by supporting Grant despite criticism.
When was Anteitam?
September 17 1862
Why did Lee invade Maryland in September 1862?
To secure supplies, demonstrate Confederate strength, and threaten Washington D.C.
What were the outcomes of the Battle of Antietam?
- Bloodiest single day in American history (Union: 12,410 casualties; Confederate: 10,316).
- Lee retreated, and Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which discouraged British and French support for the Confederacy.
- McClellan was sacked for failing to pursue Lee.
How did Antietam impact Union strategy?
- Encouraged use of more aggressive tactics.
- Freed slaves were allowed to join the Union army, strengthening its numbers.
When was Vicksburg?
May 8-July 3 1863
What happened at the Siege of Vicksburg?
Grant’s forces bombarded the city, forcing Confederate surrender after prolonged hunger and disease.
Why was Vicksburg significant?
- Gave Union control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy.
- Demonstrated importance of manpower, artillery, and naval technology.
- High Confederate losses (32,000 surrendered) weakened their overall war effort.
How did Vicksburg affect Union leadership?
Cemented Grant’s reputation, leading to his promotion as commander-in-chief.
When was Gettysburg?
July 1-3 1863
What were Lee’s objectives at Gettysburg?
Invade Pennsylvania to strain Union resources and push for foreign recognition.
What were the outcomes of Gettysburg?
- High Confederate losses (28,000) crippled Lee’s army, ending hopes of further northern invasions.
- Union victory discouraged British and French intervention.
- Marked a turning point, with the South now on the defensive.
What were the limitations of the Union victory at Gettysburg?
- Meade failed to pursue Lee, allowing Confederate forces to regroup.
- Northern casualties (23,000) were significant, and the war’s decisive end remained elusive.
When was the March to the Sea?
November-December 1864
What was Sherman’s March to the Sea?
- A destructive Union raid from Atlanta to Savannah, causing $100 million in damage.
- Freed slaves and drew Confederate troops away to protect families.
Why was Sherman’s campaign significant?
- Crippled Southern morale and resources.
- Secured Lincoln’s re-election in 1864 by showcasing Union dominance.
When was the Wilderness campaign?
May-June 1864
What was the strategy of the Wilderness Campaign?
Grant sought to destroy Lee’s forces, not just capture cities, by maintaining relentless pressure.
What were the outcomes of the Wilderness Campaign?
- High casualties for both sides (Union: 54,000; Confederate: 35,000), but Union’s superior resources allowed them to keep advancing.
- Paved the way for the fall of Richmond and Lee’s eventual surrender.
Why was the Wilderness Campaign significant?
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of Grant’s attritional tactics.
- Marked the beginning of the war’s end, as Confederate forces were too depleted to recover.
Which states formed the Lower South?
South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas.
Why did the Lower South secede?
- Economic dependence on King Cotton.
- Belief Lincoln was a rabid abolitionist.
- Felt encircled and voted out of existence.
- Honour demanded action due to perceived unfair treatment (e.g., tariffs).
- Extremity of southern views.
Which states made up the Upper South?
Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina.
Why didn’t the Upper South immediately secede?
- Smaller reliance on slavery (30% black population).
- Close economic ties to the North.
- Fear of being dominated by Deep South planters.
What triggered Upper South secession?
- Lincoln’s Call to Arms (April 15, 1861) forced them to choose sides.
- Virginia’s decision was pivotal due to its industrial capacity.
Which states were Border States, and why didn’t they secede?
- Delaware: Few slaves, strong Northern ties.
- Maryland: Union control after Lincoln arrested pro-Confederates.
- Kentucky: Claimed neutrality but occupied by Union forces.
- Missouri: Strong Union sentiment among immigrants.
Did Border States maintain slavery during the war?
Yes, all Border States retained slavery.
How did Union and Confederate resources compare?
Resource Union Confederacy
Population 23 million 9 million (3.5m slaves)
Farm acreage 65% 35%
Manufacturing workers 92% 8%
Manufacturing output 92% 8%
Factories 110,000 18,000
Miles of railway 22,000 9,000
What advantages did the Confederacy have?
- Mobilized a greater proportion of their population.
- Superior military leadership (e.g., Robert E. Lee).
- Excellent cavalry and horsemanship.
- Large, difficult-to-conquer territory.
- 3,550 miles of coastline made blockades challenging.
- Rifled muskets and Minié bullets favored defenders.
- Cotton’s economic importance to Britain and France.
What were the Union’s challenges?
- Lincoln was elected with only 40% support.
- War support in the North was limited, especially over slavery.
- The need for long-term strategy; dragging the war risked losing public backing.
What was the Union’s Anaconda Plan?
- Control the Mississippi River.
- Encircle the Confederacy and apply pressure from all sides.
- Strangle Confederate supply lines and resources to force surrender.
What was the Confederacy’s battle strategy?
- Varied by location, generals, and circumstances.
- Initially aimed for defensive warfare to wear down the North.
