Unit XV: The Civil WarUnit XV: The Civil War

It is interesting to note that the only It is interesting to note that the only way that slavery could have been way that slavery could have been abolished legally was through a abolished legally was through a constitutional amendment passed by constitutional amendment passed by a 3/4th majority, which would have a 3/4th majority, which would have been impossible to obtain until the been impossible to obtain until the 20th century. 20th century.

The Civil War allowed the The Civil War allowed the government to abolish slavery, yet government to abolish slavery, yet Lincoln was essentially unprepared Lincoln was essentially unprepared for war because of this. for war because of this.

Once Lincoln took office he began to Once Lincoln took office he began to remove troops from many federal remove troops from many federal forts located in the South. By April of forts located in the South. By April of 1861 only Fort Pickens in Florida and 1861 only Fort Pickens in Florida and Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C remained stocked with Union remained stocked with Union soldiers. Major. Robert Anderson soldiers. Major. Robert Anderson reported to Lincoln that Fort Sumter reported to Lincoln that Fort Sumter was running out of provisions.was running out of provisions.

Lincoln planned to stock the fort Lincoln planned to stock the fort but the Confederates refused to but the Confederates refused to allow it. General P.G.T. allow it. General P.G.T. Beauregard was ordered to seize Beauregard was ordered to seize the fort. On April 12, 1861 the the fort. On April 12, 1861 the Confederates began shelling the Confederates began shelling the fort thus starting the Civil War. fort thus starting the Civil War.

Lincoln from the outset had Lincoln from the outset had stated that the Constitution was stated that the Constitution was a contract and states could not a contract and states could not secede. He further stated that secede. He further stated that the war would be fought to the war would be fought to preserve the Union. preserve the Union.

With support from the northern With support from the northern states on April 15, Lincoln called states on April 15, Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to serve for for 75,000 volunteers to serve for three months. three months.

At the same time, calls for troops At the same time, calls for troops were sent to the governors of all were sent to the governors of all states that had remained in the states that had remained in the Union. Union.

On April 19 a second proclamation On April 19 a second proclamation announced that Southern ports announced that Southern ports would be blockaded. A third would be blockaded. A third proclamation, dated May 3, called for proclamation, dated May 3, called for 42,000 three-year volunteers for the 42,000 three-year volunteers for the regular army and for 18,000 regular army and for 18,000 volunteers to serve one to three volunteers to serve one to three years in the navy. years in the navy.

Lincoln's call for troops though Lincoln's call for troops though caused the secession of caused the secession of Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. Yet war is and North Carolina. Yet war is never actually declared by the never actually declared by the Senate because doing so would Senate because doing so would have meant recognizing the have meant recognizing the Confederacy as a nation Confederacy as a nation increasing the likelihood of increasing the likelihood of foreign support for the South.foreign support for the South.

Both the North and South raised Both the North and South raised troops as quickly as possible and troops as quickly as possible and struggled with the problem of struggled with the problem of equipping and training them. The equipping and training them. The states recruited volunteers and states recruited volunteers and organized them into regiments. organized them into regiments. Officers were elected by the men Officers were elected by the men and commissioned by the and commissioned by the governors. governors.

In the beginning the length of service In the beginning the length of service was usually short, but as soon as it was usually short, but as soon as it became clear that the war would not became clear that the war would not end with one decisive battle, three-end with one decisive battle, three-year-enlistments became the rule, year-enlistments became the rule, although there were many although there were many exceptions. The Confederacy passed exceptions. The Confederacy passed the first draft act in April 1862. the first draft act in April 1862.

The Union followed almost a The Union followed almost a year later. Opposition to the year later. Opposition to the draft was general throughout draft was general throughout the country. In New York City the country. In New York City the publication of the first draft the publication of the first draft lists caused four days of violent lists caused four days of violent rioting in which many were rioting in which many were killed and $1.5 million worth of killed and $1.5 million worth of property was destroyed. property was destroyed.

In both North and South, men of In both North and South, men of certain classes, occupations, and certain classes, occupations, and professions were exempted from the professions were exempted from the draft. Furthermore, a man who was draft. Furthermore, a man who was drafted in the North could avoid drafted in the North could avoid military service by making a money military service by making a money payment to the government and in payment to the government and in both the North and South, a draftee both the North and South, a draftee could hire a substitute to go to war could hire a substitute to go to war for him.for him.

Although the draft itself did not Although the draft itself did not produce a sufficient number of produce a sufficient number of soldiers, the threat of being soldiers, the threat of being drafted led many to volunteer drafted led many to volunteer and collect a bounty, which was and collect a bounty, which was paid to volunteers. Some soldiers paid to volunteers. Some soldiers were unscrupulous enough to were unscrupulous enough to enlist, desert, and reenlist to enlist, desert, and reenlist to collect the bounty more than collect the bounty more than once.once.

The most difficult aspect of the The most difficult aspect of the war for the South was its inability war for the South was its inability to finance the war. At the outset to finance the war. At the outset of the war the Confederacy of the war the Confederacy depended on loans, but this depended on loans, but this source of finance soon source of finance soon disappeared as Southerners disappeared as Southerners began to be affected financially began to be affected financially by the cost of the war and were by the cost of the war and were unable to buy bonds. unable to buy bonds.

The South never really tried heavy The South never really tried heavy taxation because the government taxation because the government had no means to collect taxes and had no means to collect taxes and people in the South were reluctant people in the South were reluctant and often unable to pay them. and often unable to pay them.

Instead it relied on paper money, Instead it relied on paper money, freely printed. freely printed.

Backed only by the possibility of Backed only by the possibility of Southern victory, the money dropped Southern victory, the money dropped in value as the war went on and as in value as the war went on and as its outcome became more uncertain.its outcome became more uncertain.

The Confederacy suffered greatly The Confederacy suffered greatly from severe inflation and debt from severe inflation and debt throughout the war. throughout the war.

The Confederate rate of inflation The Confederate rate of inflation was about 9000 percent, was about 9000 percent, meaning that an item that cost meaning that an item that cost $1 in the Confederacy at the $1 in the Confederacy at the beginning of the war would have beginning of the war would have cost $92 at the end of the war. cost $92 at the end of the war.

The South also suffered from the The South also suffered from the fact that they had oversupplied the fact that they had oversupplied the English by about 40%, which meant English by about 40%, which meant the English did not have to rely on the English did not have to rely on the South for cotton. the South for cotton.

In contrast, the North’s rate of In contrast, the North’s rate of inflation was only about 80 percent. inflation was only about 80 percent. As the value of money declined, As the value of money declined, prices rose accordingly.prices rose accordingly.

In 1861 Congress passed the Morrill In 1861 Congress passed the Morrill Tariff Act, which doubled former Tariff Act, which doubled former tariffs. An income tax was levied for tariffs. An income tax was levied for the first time in 1861, and a the first time in 1861, and a national currency was established. national currency was established.

A national banking system was A national banking system was established by Congress in 1863 to established by Congress in 1863 to stimulate sales of U.S. bonds. stimulate sales of U.S. bonds. Northerners had savings with which Northerners had savings with which they could buy the bonds. Investors they could buy the bonds. Investors in the bank had to buy a certain in the bank had to buy a certain percentage of bondspercentage of bonds. .

The North also resorted to printing The North also resorted to printing large amounts of paper money, large amounts of paper money, called greenbacks, which were not called greenbacks, which were not backed by gold in the U.S. Treasury. backed by gold in the U.S. Treasury.

As in the South, though to a much As in the South, though to a much lesser degree, the paper money lesser degree, the paper money dropped in value in relation to gold, dropped in value in relation to gold, and prices rose. However, the North and prices rose. However, the North and South continued to fight as if and South continued to fight as if their treasuries were full. their treasuries were full.

As men poured into the armies, As men poured into the armies, Northern and Southern leaders Northern and Southern leaders discussed strategies that would discussed strategies that would achieve victory. These strategies achieve victory. These strategies contrasted significantly because contrasted significantly because the two sides had very different the two sides had very different war aims. war aims.

The North sought to restore the The North sought to restore the Union, which meant it had to Union, which meant it had to compel the seceded states to compel the seceded states to give up their hopes to found a give up their hopes to found a new nation.new nation.

Northern armies would have to Northern armies would have to invade the Confederacy, destroy its invade the Confederacy, destroy its capacity to wage war, and crush the capacity to wage war, and crush the will of the Southern people to resist. will of the Southern people to resist.

The most prominent American The most prominent American military figure in the spring of 1861 military figure in the spring of 1861 was Winfield Scott, the general-in-was Winfield Scott, the general-in-chief of the United States Army. chief of the United States Army. Physically frail but with a brilliant Physically frail but with a brilliant mind, Scott conceived a long-range mind, Scott conceived a long-range strategy to bring a northern victory.strategy to bring a northern victory.

Subsequently named the Subsequently named the “Anaconda Plan.” Scott’s plan “Anaconda Plan.” Scott’s plan sought to apply pressure on the sought to apply pressure on the Confederacy from all sides. A Confederacy from all sides. A combined force of naval and combined force of naval and army units would sweep down army units would sweep down the Mississippi River, dividing the the Mississippi River, dividing the Confederacy’s eastern and Confederacy’s eastern and western states. western states.

At the same time, the Union navy At the same time, the Union navy would institute a blockade to deny would institute a blockade to deny the Confederacy access to the Confederacy access to European manufactured goods. European manufactured goods. Should the South continue to resist Should the South continue to resist even after the loss of the Mississippi even after the loss of the Mississippi and the closing of its ports, Scott and the closing of its ports, Scott envisioned a major invasion into the envisioned a major invasion into the heart of the Confederacy. heart of the Confederacy.

He estimated it would take two to He estimated it would take two to three years and 300,000 men to three years and 300,000 men to carry out this strategy.carry out this strategy.

The Union had several advantages The Union had several advantages which the south would find they which the south would find they could not compete with.could not compete with.

1.1. They had a large industrialized They had a large industrialized economy that allowed them to economy that allowed them to produce tremendous amounts of produce tremendous amounts of military supplies.military supplies.

2.2. They had a population base of They had a population base of twenty-two million people and twenty-two million people and large amounts of wealth.large amounts of wealth.

3.3. They had a large established They had a large established navy and superior navy and superior transportation. transportation.

4.4. The Union had by 1860 The Union had by 1860 thousands of miles of railroads thousands of miles of railroads and roads to quickly move and roads to quickly move troops and supplies. troops and supplies.

Northern railroads ran from the Northern railroads ran from the east to the west allowing them to east to the west allowing them to move troops across the front and move troops across the front and attack in several different areas. attack in several different areas. The southern rail-lines ran from The southern rail-lines ran from the south to the north allowing the south to the north allowing Union troops to simply transport Union troops to simply transport troops deep into the south. troops deep into the south.

The Confederacy sought The Confederacy sought independence and only had to independence and only had to defend itself. The Confederacy defend itself. The Confederacy could win by prolonging the war to could win by prolonging the war to a point where the northern people a point where the northern people would consider the effort too costly would consider the effort too costly in lives and money to persist. in lives and money to persist.

Simply put, Confederate armies Simply put, Confederate armies generally adopted a defensive generally adopted a defensive strategy, protecting as much of strategy, protecting as much of their territory as possible against their territory as possible against northern incursions.northern incursions.

However, when circumstances However, when circumstances seemed to offer an opportunity to seemed to offer an opportunity to gain a decided advantage over gain a decided advantage over Northern forces, the Confederacy Northern forces, the Confederacy launched offensives into the North. launched offensives into the North.

This strategy was dictated by the This strategy was dictated by the advantages they held in the war. advantages they held in the war.

1.1. The war would be fought on land The war would be fought on land they had lived.they had lived.

2.2. They would be defending their They would be defending their homes giving them a reason to homes giving them a reason to fight. fight.

3.3. They were also led by some of the They were also led by some of the greatest generals in U.S. Southern greatest generals in U.S. Southern generals had formally been in the generals had formally been in the U.S military, many had graduated U.S military, many had graduated from West Point and understood from West Point and understood war. war.

Geography played a major role in Geography played a major role in how effectively the two sides how effectively the two sides were able to carry out their were able to carry out their strategies. The sheer size of the strategies. The sheer size of the Confederacy posed a daunting Confederacy posed a daunting obstacle to northern military obstacle to northern military forces. Totaling more than forces. Totaling more than 750,000 sq. miles and without a 750,000 sq. miles and without a well-developed network of roads.well-developed network of roads.

The Southern landscape challenged The Southern landscape challenged the North’s ability to supply armies the North’s ability to supply armies that maneuvered at increasing that maneuvered at increasing distances from Union bases. distances from Union bases.

It was also almost impossible to It was also almost impossible to make the North’s blockade of make the North’s blockade of Southern ports completely effective Southern ports completely effective because the South’s coastline because the South’s coastline stretched 3500 miles and contained stretched 3500 miles and contained nearly 200 harbors and mouths of nearly 200 harbors and mouths of navigable rivers. navigable rivers.

The Appalachian Mountains also The Appalachian Mountains also hindered rapid movement of hindered rapid movement of Northern forces between the Northern forces between the eastern and western areas of the eastern and western areas of the Confederacy while the Shenandoah Confederacy while the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia offered a Valley of Virginia offered a protected route through which protected route through which Confederate armies could invade Confederate armies could invade the North. the North.

The placement of Southern rivers, The placement of Southern rivers, however, favored the North. however, favored the North.

The Mississippi, Tennessee and The Mississippi, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers provided Cumberland rivers provided excellent north-south avenues of excellent north-south avenues of advance for Union armies west of the advance for Union armies west of the Appalachians. Appalachians.

In Virginia, Confederates defended In Virginia, Confederates defended from behind the state’s principal from behind the state’s principal rivers, but the James River also rivers, but the James River also served as a secure line of served as a secure line of communications and supply for communications and supply for Union offensives against Richmond in Union offensives against Richmond in 1862 and again in 1864.1862 and again in 1864.

Technological advances helped both Technological advances helped both sides deal with the great distances sides deal with the great distances over which the armies fought. The over which the armies fought. The Civil War was the first large conflict Civil War was the first large conflict that featured railroads and the that featured railroads and the telegraph. Railroads rapidly moved telegraph. Railroads rapidly moved hundreds of thousands of soldiers hundreds of thousands of soldiers and vast quantities of supplies; the and vast quantities of supplies; the North contained almost twice as North contained almost twice as many miles of railroad lines as the many miles of railroad lines as the South. South.

Telegraphic communication Telegraphic communication permitted both governments to permitted both governments to coordinate military movements on coordinate military movements on sprawling geographical fronts. The sprawling geographical fronts. The combatants also took advantage of combatants also took advantage of numerous other recent advances in numerous other recent advances in military technology.military technology.

The most important was the rifle The most important was the rifle musket carried by most of the musket carried by most of the infantrymen on both sides. infantrymen on both sides.

Prior to the Civil War, infantry Prior to the Civil War, infantry generally had been armed with generally had been armed with smoothbore muskets, weapons smoothbore muskets, weapons without rifling in the barrels. without rifling in the barrels.

Combined with field fortifications, Combined with field fortifications, which were widely used during the which were widely used during the war, the rifle musket changed war, the rifle musket changed military tactics by making charges military tactics by making charges against defensive positions more against defensive positions more difficult. It also gave a significant difficult. It also gave a significant advantage to the defending force. advantage to the defending force.

Other new technologies included Other new technologies included ironclad warships, which were used ironclad warships, which were used by both sides; the deployment of by both sides; the deployment of manned balloons for aerial manned balloons for aerial reconnaissance on battlefields, used reconnaissance on battlefields, used mainly by the North; the first sinking mainly by the North; the first sinking of a warship by the South’s of a warship by the South’s submarine, known as the CSS submarine, known as the CSS HunleyHunley; and the arming of significant ; and the arming of significant numbers of soldiers with repeating numbers of soldiers with repeating weapons, carried mainly by the weapons, carried mainly by the northern cavalry.northern cavalry.

Under pressure from the public and Under pressure from the public and press Lincoln ordered the Union press Lincoln ordered the Union army under Irvin McDowell to move army under Irvin McDowell to move toward Confederate troops under toward Confederate troops under General Beauregard at Manassas General Beauregard at Manassas Junction, 25 miles southwest of Junction, 25 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The two armies did Washington, DC. The two armies did not meet until July 21. The battle, not meet until July 21. The battle, known as First Bull Run or First known as First Bull Run or First Manassas, started well for the North.Manassas, started well for the North.

However, with the arrival of However, with the arrival of Confederate reinforcements and the Confederate reinforcements and the heroic stand of General Thomas J. heroic stand of General Thomas J. Jackson, who earned the nickname Jackson, who earned the nickname “Stonewall,” the battle ended in an “Stonewall,” the battle ended in an overwhelming victory for the South. overwhelming victory for the South. Most of the Union troops straggled Most of the Union troops straggled back to Washington in near panic. back to Washington in near panic. The defeat shocked the North. The defeat shocked the North.

The people suddenly realized The people suddenly realized that the war could be a grim that the war could be a grim struggle that might last for struggle that might last for years. Governors offered more years. Governors offered more troops and hurried forward troops and hurried forward regiments with full ranks. regiments with full ranks.

The Union War Department The Union War Department pushed the organization of long-pushed the organization of long-term volunteers. term volunteers.

General George B. McClellan was General George B. McClellan was ordered to Washington from ordered to Washington from western Virginia, where he had western Virginia, where he had made a name for himself in a made a name for himself in a series of small battles.series of small battles.

McClellan took charge of the McClellan took charge of the troops in and around the capital, troops in and around the capital, enforcing discipline and enforcing discipline and instituting intensive training. instituting intensive training.

McClellan spent months marching McClellan spent months marching his troops around Washington while his troops around Washington while Lincoln became impatient. Finally in Lincoln became impatient. Finally in the spring of 1862 Lincoln ordered the spring of 1862 Lincoln ordered McClellan to attack. McClellan to attack.

McClellan decided on a naval McClellan decided on a naval approach towards Richmond. Along approach towards Richmond. Along a small peninsula created by the a small peninsula created by the James and York Rivers. McClellan James and York Rivers. McClellan took historic Yorktown by April; he took historic Yorktown by April; he then began to march towards then began to march towards Richmond. Richmond.

He stalled short of Richmond and He stalled short of Richmond and then was attacked by Gen. then was attacked by Gen. Robert E. Lee in the Seven Days' Robert E. Lee in the Seven Days' Battles from June 26 through July Battles from June 26 through July 2, 1862. 2, 1862.

McClellan was forced to retreat McClellan was forced to retreat and the campaign was a failure and the campaign was a failure even though the Confederates even though the Confederates lost 20,000 troops. lost 20,000 troops.

Lee moved northward after Lee moved northward after defeating McClellan into Maryland defeating McClellan into Maryland hoping a major victory would bring hoping a major victory would bring foreign intervention. foreign intervention.

McClellan with 75,000 men faced McClellan with 75,000 men faced Gen. Lee across Antietam Creek. Gen. Lee across Antietam Creek. Confederate forces numbered about Confederate forces numbered about 35,000 soldiers. The fighting began 35,000 soldiers. The fighting began on September 17, and despite the on September 17, and despite the superior number of Union forces, superior number of Union forces, the Confederate Army was able to the Confederate Army was able to hold them off.hold them off.

Both sides lost heavily and Both sides lost heavily and fighting was so fierce and the fighting was so fierce and the casualties so high that Antietam casualties so high that Antietam was the bloodiest one-day battle was the bloodiest one-day battle of the Civil War.of the Civil War.

Antietam was a significant battle for Antietam was a significant battle for what it allowed President Lincoln to what it allowed President Lincoln to do. From the beginning of the war, do. From the beginning of the war, President Lincoln had insisted that President Lincoln had insisted that his primary aim was the restoration his primary aim was the restoration of the Union, not the abolition of of the Union, not the abolition of slavery. slavery.

As the war continued, however, As the war continued, however, Lincoln saw that the preservation of Lincoln saw that the preservation of the Union depended, in part, on the the Union depended, in part, on the destruction of slavery. destruction of slavery.

The Lincoln Administration believed The Lincoln Administration believed that if they made the abolition of that if they made the abolition of slavery a war aim, they could stop slavery a war aim, they could stop Great Britain or France from Great Britain or France from recognizing the Confederacy. recognizing the Confederacy.

Both Great Britain and France had Both Great Britain and France had long since abolished slavery and long since abolished slavery and would not support a country fighting would not support a country fighting a war to defend it. a war to defend it.

Emancipation might allow the Emancipation might allow the North to undercut the South’s North to undercut the South’s war effort, which was supported war effort, which was supported by slave labor. Emancipation by slave labor. Emancipation would also clarify the status of would also clarify the status of slaves who were running away to slaves who were running away to the Union lines. These black the Union lines. These black people were refugees and later people were refugees and later soldiers in the Union Army. soldiers in the Union Army.

This activity, called self-This activity, called self-emancipation, presented a problem emancipation, presented a problem to the Union Army. Were these black to the Union Army. Were these black people free, or enslaved? Should people free, or enslaved? Should they be returned to their Southern they be returned to their Southern masters under the fugitive slave masters under the fugitive slave laws? laws?

The Lincoln Administration The Lincoln Administration believed since slaves were believed since slaves were property they could be seized by property they could be seized by the North. In addition, public the North. In addition, public opinion in the North had begun to opinion in the North had begun to favor abolition, and Congress, no favor abolition, and Congress, no longer needing to be concerned longer needing to be concerned about the Southern states, had about the Southern states, had started passing legislation to end started passing legislation to end slavery. slavery.

In 1862 Congress abolished slavery In 1862 Congress abolished slavery in the District of Columbia and in the District of Columbia and prohibited slavery in the territories. prohibited slavery in the territories. On July 22, 1862, Lincoln informed On July 22, 1862, Lincoln informed his Cabinet that he intended to free his Cabinet that he intended to free the slaves in states that were in the slaves in states that were in active rebellion. However, they had active rebellion. However, they had persuaded him to wait until a persuaded him to wait until a northern victory because it would northern victory because it would seem less like a desperate measure. seem less like a desperate measure. Antietam served that purpose. Antietam served that purpose.

"that all persons held as slaves" within the "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free." be free."

It applied only to states that had seceded from It applied only to states that had seceded from the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the the Union, leaving slavery untouched in the loyal border states. It also expressly exempted loyal border states. It also expressly exempted parts of the Confederacy that had already parts of the Confederacy that had already come under Northern control. Most important, come under Northern control. Most important, the freedom it promised depended upon Union the freedom it promised depended upon Union military victory. military victory.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation did Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free a single slave, it not immediately free a single slave, it fundamentally transformed the character of the fundamentally transformed the character of the war. After January 1, 1863, every advance of war. After January 1, 1863, every advance of federal troops expanded the domain of federal troops expanded the domain of freedom. Moreover, the Proclamation freedom. Moreover, the Proclamation announced the acceptance of black men into announced the acceptance of black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the the Union Army and Navy, enabling the liberated to become liberators. By the end of liberated to become liberators. By the end of the war, almost 200,000 black soldiers and the war, almost 200,000 black soldiers and sailors had fought for the Union and freedom.sailors had fought for the Union and freedom.

In May of 1863 Lee's army In May of 1863 Lee's army defeated the Union army at defeated the Union army at Chancellorsville. Because of his Chancellorsville. Because of his success Lee decided to march his success Lee decided to march his troops north into Pennsylvania. troops north into Pennsylvania. There were several reasons for There were several reasons for this bold move. this bold move.

The Confederate government The Confederate government hoped that a decisive victory on hoped that a decisive victory on northern soil would win foreign northern soil would win foreign recognition of the Confederacy. recognition of the Confederacy.

In addition, Lee argued that an In addition, Lee argued that an invasion of the wealthiest urban invasion of the wealthiest urban area of the North would probably area of the North would probably lessen the pressure on lessen the pressure on Confederate forces in Tennessee Confederate forces in Tennessee and at Vicksburg. and at Vicksburg.

Perhaps most important, the lush Perhaps most important, the lush Cumberland Valley would yield Cumberland Valley would yield food and clothing for Lee’s food and clothing for Lee’s ragged and hungry army.ragged and hungry army.

On July 1st advanced units of the On July 1st advanced units of the two armies stumbled into each two armies stumbled into each other near the little town of other near the little town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 10 miles Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 10 miles north of the Maryland border. Both north of the Maryland border. Both Lee and Meade realized that a Lee and Meade realized that a battle was unavoidable. The battle battle was unavoidable. The battle was a decisive Union victory, but was a decisive Union victory, but both armies suffered very heavy both armies suffered very heavy losses. Meade’s casualties losses. Meade’s casualties numbered 23,000 and Lee’s about numbered 23,000 and Lee’s about 25,000. 25,000.

In November 1863 President Lincoln In November 1863 President Lincoln dedicated a national cemetery to dedicated a national cemetery to those who had died in the Battle of those who had died in the Battle of Gettysburg. His speech, known as Gettysburg. His speech, known as the Gettysburg Address, became the Gettysburg Address, became famous as an expression of the famous as an expression of the democratic spirit and reconfirmed democratic spirit and reconfirmed Lincoln’s intention to reunite the Lincoln’s intention to reunite the country.country.

The defeat of Lee at Gettysburg The defeat of Lee at Gettysburg coincided with a Union victory at coincided with a Union victory at Vicksburg, Mississippi under Vicksburg, Mississippi under General Ulysses S. Grant. This General Ulysses S. Grant. This victory reopened trade for victory reopened trade for northern states and ended all northern states and ended all hopes of foreign intervention for hopes of foreign intervention for the south. the south.

Gen. Grant was then transferred Gen. Grant was then transferred east to Chattanooga where he east to Chattanooga where he defeated the Confederate army and defeated the Confederate army and opened an invasion route into opened an invasion route into Georgia. Grant became head of the Georgia. Grant became head of the Union army and appointed Gen. Union army and appointed Gen. William Sherman to invade Georgia. William Sherman to invade Georgia. In his famous march to the sea he In his famous march to the sea he burned Atlanta in September 1864 burned Atlanta in September 1864 and then marched southward and then marched southward burning everything on his way to burning everything on his way to Savannah 250 miles away.Savannah 250 miles away.

Sherman was hated and feared in Sherman was hated and feared in the south but took Savannah easily. the south but took Savannah easily. He the turned north towards South He the turned north towards South Carolina, which was viciously Carolina, which was viciously attacked. attacked.

By taking his army out of Richmond By taking his army out of Richmond and Petersburg, which were now and Petersburg, which were now controlled by the Union, Lee hoped controlled by the Union, Lee hoped to join Johnston who had been in to join Johnston who had been in North Carolina, to prolong the North Carolina, to prolong the struggle. Grant’s goal was clear: to struggle. Grant’s goal was clear: to prevent the two armies from uniting. prevent the two armies from uniting. From April 3 to April 7 1865, Union From April 3 to April 7 1865, Union and Confederate forces engaged in a and Confederate forces engaged in a series of running fights.series of running fights.

On April 7 Sheridan managed to On April 7 Sheridan managed to place his brigades across the line of place his brigades across the line of Lee’s retreat at Appomattox Court Lee’s retreat at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, 60 miles west of House, Virginia, 60 miles west of Petersburg. Mindful of Lincoln’s wish Petersburg. Mindful of Lincoln’s wish to avoid needless bloodshed, Grant to avoid needless bloodshed, Grant sent Lee a note pointing out his sent Lee a note pointing out his hopeless condition and inviting hopeless condition and inviting surrender. Lee, who was keenly surrender. Lee, who was keenly aware of his desperate situation, aware of his desperate situation, asked for terms. asked for terms.

On the morning of April 9 the two On the morning of April 9 the two commanders met at a private home commanders met at a private home in Appomattox Court House. Grant in Appomattox Court House. Grant asked only that the officers and asked only that the officers and men of the Army of Northern men of the Army of Northern Virginia surrender and give their Virginia surrender and give their word not to take up arms against word not to take up arms against the United States until properly the United States until properly exchanged. Lee accepted the exchanged. Lee accepted the terms. The war was over in Virginia.terms. The war was over in Virginia.

During the war opposition to the war During the war opposition to the war was led by a faction of the was led by a faction of the Democratic Party called the Democratic Party called the Copperheads. They feared that Copperheads. They feared that agricultural interests in the agricultural interests in the Northwest were losing influence in Northwest were losing influence in the government to industrialization the government to industrialization and the Eastern cities and that and the Eastern cities and that state’s rights were danger due to state’s rights were danger due to Republican actions during the war.Republican actions during the war.

In response the Lincoln In response the Lincoln administration attempted to administration attempted to suppress opposition. He suspended suppress opposition. He suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus certain the Writ of Habeas Corpus certain areas allowing for military arrests areas allowing for military arrests and trials.and trials.

The Republican Party suffered The Republican Party suffered politically during the war as well. politically during the war as well. They lost control of Congress in They lost control of Congress in 1862 leading them to change the 1862 leading them to change the party name to the Union Party party name to the Union Party hoping to widen their constituency. hoping to widen their constituency.

In the 1864 election Lincoln In the 1864 election Lincoln appealed to Southern sympathizers appealed to Southern sympathizers by nominating Tennessee Dem. by nominating Tennessee Dem. Andrew Johnson for Vice President. Andrew Johnson for Vice President.

The Democrats countered by The Democrats countered by nominating former General George nominating former General George McClellan. McClellan.

In the summer of 1864 several Union In the summer of 1864 several Union victories ensured Lincoln would be victories ensured Lincoln would be re-elected. re-elected.

The Republicans though were far The Republicans though were far from unified and had split over post from unified and had split over post war issues. war issues.

Moderate Republicans favored Moderate Republicans favored gradual abolition and a return to gradual abolition and a return to status quo whenever possible. status quo whenever possible. Radical Republicans wanted Radical Republicans wanted immediate abolition and the immediate abolition and the punishment of the South. punishment of the South.

During the war the government During the war the government played an important role in the played an important role in the economy. In 1862 the Morrill Land economy. In 1862 the Morrill Land Grant Act was passed giving land to Grant Act was passed giving land to states to sell with the revenue states to sell with the revenue going to education. This would going to education. This would cause the creation of agricultural cause the creation of agricultural and engineering schools. and engineering schools.

The Homestead Act was passed as The Homestead Act was passed as well opening the way for well opening the way for settlement.settlement.

It gave 160 acres of free land to any It gave 160 acres of free land to any American citizen, who was the head American citizen, who was the head of a family and over 21. of a family and over 21.

Settlers owned the land after they Settlers owned the land after they worked it for five years. Some people worked it for five years. Some people felt 160 acres was not enough land felt 160 acres was not enough land to prosper on in the West. After 50 to prosper on in the West. After 50 years all territories had gained years all territories had gained enough settlers to become a state. enough settlers to become a state. 60,000 people. 60,000 people.

Free land was to be found in all areas Free land was to be found in all areas except: 13 original colonies, Texas, except: 13 original colonies, Texas, Tenn., Ky., W. Va., Maine and Tenn., Ky., W. Va., Maine and Vermont. Vermont.

The war touched the lives of almost The war touched the lives of almost every person in the United States. every person in the United States. Women assumed larger Women assumed larger responsibilities in the workplace responsibilities in the workplace because so many men were absent because so many men were absent in the armies. In the North, they in the armies. In the North, they labored as nurses, government labored as nurses, government clerks, and factory workers and clerks, and factory workers and contributed to the war effort in other contributed to the war effort in other ways.ways.

Southern white women also Southern white women also worked as clerks and nurses and worked as clerks and nurses and in factories, and thousands took in factories, and thousands took responsibility for running family responsibility for running family farms. Several hundred women farms. Several hundred women disguised themselves as men disguised themselves as men and served in the military, a few and served in the military, a few of whom were wounded in battle. of whom were wounded in battle.

No group was more directly No group was more directly affected by the outcome of the war affected by the outcome of the war than the almost 4 million black than the almost 4 million black people who were slaves in 1861. people who were slaves in 1861. They emerged from the conflict They emerged from the conflict with their freedom, which was with their freedom, which was confirmed by the 13th Amendment confirmed by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in December to the Constitution in December 1865. However, blacks did not have 1865. However, blacks did not have equal rights until long after the war.equal rights until long after the war.

The war also caused wide-scale The war also caused wide-scale economic destruction to the economic destruction to the South. The Confederate states South. The Confederate states lost two-thirds of their wealth lost two-thirds of their wealth during the war. The loss of slave during the war. The loss of slave property through emancipation property through emancipation accounted for much of this, but accounted for much of this, but the economic infrastructure in the economic infrastructure in the South was also severely the South was also severely damaged in other ways.damaged in other ways.

Railroads and industries in the Railroads and industries in the South were in shambles, more than South were in shambles, more than one-half of all farm machinery was one-half of all farm machinery was destroyed, and 40 percent of all destroyed, and 40 percent of all livestock had been killed. In livestock had been killed. In contrast, the northern economy contrast, the northern economy thrived during the war. thrived during the war.

Two numbers convey a sense of the Two numbers convey a sense of the economic cost to the respective economic cost to the respective sections: between 1860 and 1870,sections: between 1860 and 1870,

Northern wealth increased by 50 Northern wealth increased by 50 percent; during that same percent; during that same decade, Southern wealth decade, Southern wealth decreased by 60 percent.decreased by 60 percent.

Lincoln though would not live to Lincoln though would not live to see a post war America. He was see a post war America. He was assassinated on April 14, 1865 by assassinated on April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theater. Theater.