The Civil War Flashcards
What happened in Fort Sumter?
On April 12, 1861, Lincoln notified South Carolina’s governor that he wanted to replenish the food supplies of Fort Sumter, a piece of land belonging to the Union at the harbor of Charlston, South Carolina. Jefferson Davis ordered fire on the fort and its commander surrendered.
What’s the significance of Fort Sumter?
- Lincoln proclaimed that an insurrection existed in the South and called for 75,000 troops to stop it. This is where the war officially started.
*The remaining Cotton Kingdom states succeeded when the Union and joined the Confederacy after Fort Sumter. (Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee.)
What was the Anaconda Plan?
A plan created by General Winfield Scott to block the Mississippi River and prevent the South from trading in external markets and getting materials from Europe to put pressure on them.
What’s the significance of the First Bull Run?
The First Bull was the first major battle in the Civil War that took place in northern Virginia on July 21, 1861. People thought the war would end very quickly and easily for the North but Stonewall Jackson caused the battle to end with the chaotic retreat of Union soldiers, sightseers, and politicians watching the battle. The battle ended with 3,000 casualties.
Who was George McClellan?
An army commander who was put in charge of Union’s army of the Potomac. He was pompous, self-confident, and cautious who often overestimated enemy numbers and placed blame on others for his actions. He was an outspoken critic of Abraham Lincoln.
Who is Stonewall Jackson?
Stonewall Jackson was a military leader who served under Robert E. Lee for the Confederates. He built his reputation for his fearlessness during the Mexican War and continued to prove his strengths during the Civil War with his contributions to major battles until his death in The Battle of Chancellorsville after being fatally shot by his own soldier. He was very close to General Lee and was the only one who was capable of questioning Lee.
Who is Robert E. Lee?
Robert E. Lee was a brilliant military strategist who graduated in the top of his class in West Point and served in the Mexican War. He was fighting for Confederacy although he opposed the South’s secession and saw Deep South as being selfish and dictatorial but joined the succession as he couldn’t stand the thought of fighting against home state.
Who is Ulysses S. Grant?
A West Point graduate who resigned from the army because of his drinking problems. He led a joint army-navy expedition that resulted in capture of two – Henry and Donelson –forts in Tennessee leading to the first victory for the Union.
What is the Peninsular Campaign?
An attempt by Union in 1862 under General McClellan to capture the Confederate capital at Richmond from the southeast. He was too scared to do anything for 9 months despite Lincoln’s orders to just do something. During the Virginia Battles, General Lee tricked McClellan into believing that his troops were outnumbered and retreated to Yorktown which is known as the 7 Days Battle. Lee launched a series of engagements towards the Union on the peninsula of Richmond. The Confederacy was victorious.
What is the Battle of Ironsides?
The Confederates unveil The Merrimac, a battleship that was capable of deflecting cannons. The ship was countered by the Monitor that had the benefits of having a rotating current and was quicker. The battle ended in a debated draw.
What is the significance of the Battle of Antietam?
Lee tries to invade the North but the North ends up finding Lee’s plans in a rolled up cigarette and clashes in Antietam, Maryland. This marked the bloodiest day of fighting history as nearly 4,000 men were killed and 18,000 men were wounded (2,000 of those later succumbed to their injuries). Lee was forced to withdraw troops and The Union was able to claim the battle as a victory.
What is the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation?
Lincoln, using this victory in Antietam, released the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation that warned the South to surrender by 1862 or he would decree abolition. Later he published the official document declaring that, “all persons held as slaves” within the Confederate states “are, and henceforth shall be free.”
What is the significance of Emancipation Proclamation?
*Transformed the Civil War into a fight against slavery not a fight to bring back the Union.
* The Proclamation allowed for the enlistment of African American soldiers into the Union Army, significantly bolstering its numbers and changing the dynamics of the war.
* Prevented European forces from intervening in the war on behalf of the Confederacy.
What is the significance of the Battles of Vicksburg & Gettysburg
The Union soldiers under the command of General George G. Meade met with Lee’s troops at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It was the largest battle ever fought in the war. Lee got very cocky with his skills and 3 day battle ended with the worst mistake he ever made causing the Confederates to lose a third of their troops. This marked the turning point of the Civil War. The Battle of Vicksburg caused the weakening of the Confederacy by splitting it in half through the Mississippi Valley that was now in control by the Union.
What was the Gettysburg Address?
The Gettysburg Address is a brief but powerful speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This speech emphasized the principles of human equality and the importance of preserving the Union, connecting the Civil War to the broader struggle for freedom and democracy.
