The Civil War

Ch 11 Notes

Remember… Confederate capital: Richmond, VA Border States: MD, MO, KY, DE

All slave states DE had the fewest, stayed with the Union MD had more but stayed with Union even with much

pro-Confederate support KY divided in opinion, people fought on both sides but

the state gov remained under Union control MO had fighting about which side to take for 2 years but

remained with the Union Fort Sumter: April 12, 1861

1st Battle of Bull Run/1st Manassas North: named battles after rivers,

mountains, etc… South: named battles after nearby towns McDowell in charge of Union army 7/16/1861: McDowell took troops into

southern territory Up against Beauregard Many spectators followed the troops to watch

7/21/61: McDowell attacked

Battle Begins 1st the Union was winning Then Gen. Thomas Jackson got there with his

troops to reinforce the Conf troops “Stonewall Jackson” nicknamed that because he never

gave up during battle Union advance stopped and eventually retreated

Retreated all the way the to Washington, DC Conf could have attacked DC but they were also

inexperienced and exhausted so they did not

Lessons Learned Both sides need more training Battles are worse than expected and

civilians do not belong there This will not be a “quick” war (originally

thought it would be over by Christmas) Both sides need more preparations McDowell was replaced by George

McClellan

Strengths of Both Sides North

More railroad mileage More people to serve in

the military and work in the factories

Established government with a strong federal gov

More industrial Balanced economy

South Better military

leadership Better military training Home-field advantage

Strategies North “Anaconda Plan”:

surround enemy and squeeze it to death Naval blockade of the

southern coastline Take control of the

Mississippi River and cut the Confederacy in 2

Capture Richmond, the Confederate capital

South War of attrition

Battle to wear down the enemy

Gain a foreign ally (especially hoped for Britain)

Wait and defend their territory

Tactics and Technology Old

All lined up to march into battle

Concentrate forces, assault a position and drive enemy away

Cannons and muskets (not very accurate)

Long time to re-load weapons

New Guerilla warfare

(surprise attacks) Bullet shaped ammo

not musket balls Fighting from further

away from enemy Rifling used on inside of

gun barrels Heavy artillery with

rifled barrels, shells, and canister

War in the West Goal: control the Mississippi River

Targets: AK, LA, MS, and TN Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant

Map p. 385 Feb. 1862 Grant began to move south down

the TN River Objective: take Fort Henry and Fort Donelson

Union Victories in the West 2/6/1862: Grant attacked Fort Henry and

forced it’s surrender Then marched troops to Fort Donelson

3 days of fighting until the fort surrendered Grant’s nickname: “Unconditional Surrender

Grant” Grant continued south along the TN River

to threaten AL and MS

March 1862 Conf Gen Johnston had his troops getting

ready to fight Grant in MS Grant stopped in TN to wait for Gen. Buell and

more troops before moving into MS Johnston was aware of these happenings

April 6, 1862 Gen Johnston attacks Grant by surprise

Called the Battle of Shiloh At the end of the first day it looked like a Confederate

victory Johnston even sent a letter to Davis saying so

Buell got there with reinforcements for Grant and the next day the Union troops attacked Johnston’s by surprise

Battled ended up a Union victory Very high casualties (some called Grant “the Butcher”)

Union: 13,000 Confederate: 11, 000

Also in the West Admiral David Farragut was moving north

on the Mississippi River Late April 1862: captured New Orleans Continued north to Baton Rouge, LA and

Natchez, MS June 6, 1862 seized Memphis, TN There were only 2 more main ports to

capture before the Union held the MS River (took about a year)

Meanwhile in the East Confederates created an ironclad ship

Under Union control it was the “Merrimack” but the Conf renamed it the “Virginia”

Union built the “Monitor” an iron ship March 9, 1862: Merrimack and Monitor faced off

Neither was able to do much damage but the Merrimack withdrew for repairs

Union called this a victory Merrimack was sunk on purpose by the South

later Monitor sunk in a storm

Peninsular Campaign 2nd attempt to capture Richmond (map p

386) May 1862: McClellan was in charge of

Union troops Peninsula SE of Richmond Plan was to move up the peninsula and take

Richmond At Yorktown they ran into Conf troops and

McClellan decided to wait

Battle of the Seven Pines Part of Peninsular Campaign May, 1862 Union Victory Very heavy casualties on both sides Conf commander wounded so Robert E. Lee

took over in June Conf Gen Jackson took some troops and

pretended to prepare to attack DC Lincoln refused to send additional troops to McClellan to

protect DC

Seven Days Battle Jackson rejoined Lee’s troops outside of Richmond In late June, 1862

Combined Confederate forces attacked McClellan’s weakened troops

McClellan retreated Confederate victory Casualties: 20,000 Union and 16,000 Confederate

Results Lincoln removed McClellan and chose Gen

John Pope to lead the Union Army of the Potomac (army the protected DC that McClellan had led)

Lincoln ordered McClellan to return to DC

Second Battle of Bull Run/2nd Manassas Lee divided his army again Late August Lee attacked Pope’s forces Jackson’s forces attacked after

surrounding Pope Confederate victory Lincoln was very upset

Removed Pope and returned McClellan

South Changes Strategy South shifted from defense to offense Lee pushed forces into MD northwest of

DC McClellan’s troops found some plans and

met him just after Lee crossed into MD Major and crucial battle took place near

village of Sharpsburg, MD at Antietam Creek

Antietam Union troops outnumbered Conf troops Night of Sept 17, 1862 more than 22,000 men lay

dead or wounded Single bloodiest day of the Civil War

Casualties about even on both sides but McClellan had far more fresh troops available than Lee

McClellan did nothing, instead of attacking at dawn, and let Lee’s army walk away

Lincoln fired McClellan because though he won, he let a decisive victory slip away

Politics of the Civil War

Politics of the South Confederacy: loose union of states with a

weaker federal government than state governments

Created a constitution: similar to that of the Union – 2 main differences

1. Slavery is legal 2. More States Rights

Mobilization Efforts to Use Limited Resources Efficiently Confederate congress passed laws to

increase support of warfare. Farmers gave 10% of crops to the army The army could take male slaves for military

service and the owner was paid for the use of his slave

April 1862 – Draft Passed (Conscription) All white men 18-35 serve 3 years Age raised to 45 after Antietam Later increased to 50

More Confederate laws

Government would determine what and how much to produce.

Wool - Cotton - Leather

Seized control of railroads from private owners

Income tax created to raise money for the war effort

Had to do the best they could with fewer resources.

Impact of States’ Rights

Not all mobilization efforts were successful Harmed the war effort in many ways

Example: people avoided the draft South sought help form Europe (Britain

and France) Failed to be recognized by either of them

Privateers: 11 British built ships that fought against the Union during the war

Politics of the North Much effort was given to keep public

support of the war high Tensions increased with Great Britain

The Trent: 1861 – President Davis sent two people to gain recognition from the British (boarded the Trent)

Union removed the 2 men from the ship England threatened war if the Union didn’t

release the men Lincoln ordered the men released “One war at a

time”

Republicans in Control of Congress Pacific Railroad Act (July 1862): supplied

money for the building of the continental railroad

Homestead Act (1862): free government land in the west to people who were willing to live there

Government raised the tariff rate Passed the first federal income tax (1861) Internal Revenue Act of 1862: taxed

medicine, tobacco, and newspapers Nearly all taxes ended at the end of the war.

Republicans (continued) Reformed the banking system 1862 – Congress established a new

currency Greenbacks

Value was established by the government - Fiat

Northern Opposition to the War Copperheads: Northern Democrats who

sympathized with the South and opposed the war

Draft dodgers and draft riots happened throughout the North

Keeping Control in the Border States Delaware – Stayed Loyal Maryland – If Maryland would leave the

Union, Washington D.C. would be in Confederate territory.

Missouri – Supported action to overthrow a pro-Confederate state government.

Kentucky – Martial Law In some areas of the Union, Lincoln

suspended the writ of habeas corpus: (can be held in jail without being charged with a crime)

Emancipation and the War Some people began to question if

restoring the Union was enough (slavery became a question again)

Lincoln was hesitant at first to end slavery: He didn’t feel that it was a part of his job. Eventually he used ending slavery as another

method to end the war (a 4th strategy to hurt the South and bring the war to an end)

The Emancipation Proclamation Fall of 1862 after the battle of Antietam. Lincoln issued the proclamation on January 1st,

1963 Freed slaves in the states that had seceded Very controversial, but it showed a shift in the mentality

of the war Had little impact on slavery since the areas affected

considered themselves to be outside of the Union Made sure that European countries did not get involved

on the South’s side (they no longer supported slavery)

What to do with slaves when the Union troops encountered them? Some union commanders give them back

to their slave owners when returning other possessions of theirs.

Others felt that they were contraband: it is generally accepted that during a war, property that is captured becomes the property of the enemy government. With this idea, many slaves were freed.

African Americans in the Army In the North

Congress passed a law allowing African Americans to serve in the army in July of 1862

Many joined after the Emancipation Proclamation

On warships, black and white men served together

As soldiers they served in separate regiments The African American regiments had white

commanding officers. Until June of 1864, African Americans were

paid less than white soldiers.

GLORY!

The Hardships of War Dramatic changes in the lives of people in

the North and South Wives and mothers lived in fear Both sides faced labor shortages, inflation,

and other economic problems By 1863 it was clear that the North was better

prepared to meet the needs of the war than the South.

The Southern Economy During the War Food shortages (food production declined as the

war continued) Lack of men due to the draft: Women ran the

farms and were in charge of the slaves Food riots erupted in southern cities (most were

led by women) because of the lack of food Inflation: Shortages and a lack of goods, plus

profiteers (those who bought up a bunch of goods and waited to sell until the price got really high)

Problems at home led to many desertions in the army

The Northern Economy During the War Industries heavily dependent on cotton

were hurt Most Northern industries boomed

Especially war related industries Women filled critical roles in factories as

more men went off to war. Prices rose faster than wages during the

war Some northern profiteers: selling poor

quality equipment to the military at high prices

Prison Camps Andersonville was the most notorious southern

camp in Georgia Many scattered throughout the North and South In most cases officers were treated better than

other prisoners

Medical Care

¼ of the soldiers didn’t survive the war, most from disease and not battle wounds

Poor nutrition and contaminated food led to dysentery and typhoid fever

Malaria and pneumonia were also killers Union soldier was three times more likely to die in

camp or in a hospital than he was to be killed on the battlefield

One in five Union soldiers who was wounded in battle later died from their wounds

Women and the War Effort Women on both sides helped to

care for the wounded Clara Barton “The angel of the

battlefield” Later began the Red Cross

Dorothea Dix organized the Union Army’s nursing Corps

4,000 women served as nurses for the Union

Sanitation Non-existent in most camps Garbage and rotting food littered on the ground Human waste and manure polluted the water Epidemics of contagious diseases swept through camps. At times only half of the troops in a regiment were available Unites States Sanitary Commission: Created in June of

1861, attempted to combat these problems Inspected army hospitals and camps Organized cleanups and provided advice about controlling

infection, disease prevention, sewage disposal, and nutrition About twice as many soldiers on each side died from disease

as from enemy gunfire

The Tide of War Turns

Victories for General Lee Battle of Fredericksburg (December 13, 1862)

The Union’s McClellan delayed after Antietam and was replaced with Ambrose Burnside

- Burnside marched directly towards Richmond. Lee’s 79,000 met Burnside’s 122,000 at

Fredericksburg, Virginia on Rappahannock River. Burnside crossed the river without cover and wave

after wave of Union troops were met with artillery fire

13,000 Union Casualties to only 5,000 Confederate Burnside asks to be relieved of his command

Battle of Chancellorsville (May 1, 1863) Lincoln appoints Gen. Joseph Hooker

Plans to move around Fredericksburg secretly and attack Lee from behind his defenses.

His forces were discovered by General J.E.B. Stuart. (a cavalry commander)

Lee sends troops after Hooker After a brief skirmish, Lee’s forces under Jackson

move into the thick woods and separate, attacking from several angles.

Jackson mistakenly shot that night in the dark, dies on May 10th.

Confederate army wins complete victory

Build-up to Gettysburg

Lowest point in the war for the Union Major losses at Fredericksburg &

Chancellorsville Rumors of Lincoln’s resignation / talk of peace

Lee Moves North Seeking renewed resources / Victory in Union

territory Hear word of shoe supply in Gettysburg PA

- Skirmish with Union cavalry turned into the greatest battle ever fought in North America

Gettysburg Day 1 – July 1st 1863 Both Union and Confederate troops rush to

the site of the skirmish General George Meade arrives – only in

command less than one week Fighting occurs between two ridges

Confederates are able to push Union troops back to the hills. – Fighting continued throughout the day. A confident Lee proposed (against advisement) to attack the Union troops early the next morning.

www.echoesofgettysburg.com

Gettysburg Day 2 – July 2nd Gen. James Longstreet

Not ready to attack with Union troops until 4pm!

Gives Meade a chance to gather reinforcements and attack.

Little Round Top! Vulnerable hill – strategically important

Could be used for cannon fire Union troops run out of ammo, defend the hill

with bayonet charge Save Union from defeat

Gettysburg Day 3 – July 3rd Begins with brief Confederate attack on

north Union line. Battlefield falls silent after

Early Afternoon – 150 cannons fire to begin Lee’s infantry charge against the Union’s center. Marches 15,000 troops Under General Pickett

Only half of the troops return to Confederate lines after ½ hour of battle

www.echoesofgettysburg.com

Conclusion of Gettysburg Pickett’s charge ended the bloodiest battle

of the Civil War Union Army

23,000 of 85,000 suffer casualties Confederate Army

28,000 of 75,000 suffer casualties Lee had lost 1/3 of his army for the second time

Confederates retreat back to Virginia.

www.echoesofgettysburg.com

Vicksburg, Mississippi The last point left in Confederate control

on the Mississippi R. Strategically safe.

On a hilltop Surrounded by swampland Only one area of dry land that could be used to

attack

Ulysses S. Grant commands Union troops. Made several previous attempts to bypass or

attack the city. Moves far south and crosses the river, then

attacks Mississippi’s capital at Jackson. Draws Confederate forces (under Pemberton) out of

Vicksburg. Clash again at Champion’s Hill

Confederates retreat to Vicksburg

SIEGE: A tactic in which an enemy is surrounded and starved in order to make it surrender.

Grant uses Siege tactics Artillery fires 2,800 Shells per day for over a

month. Residents dug caves in hillsides to hide from the

artillery fire.

On July 4th, 1863 Pemberton surrenders the Confederate troops. Why July 4th?

Thought he would have the best chance at negotiating the terms of surrender.

The Importance of 1863 Turning point of the war!

Control of the Mississippi

Confederacy cut in two

Lee’s army runs out of reinforcements, has to retreat to Virginia.

Never again threatens Union soil.

The Gettysburg Address Delivered on November 19th of 1863

A ceremony held at Gettysburg, was designed to honor Union soldiers who had died there in battle. 15,000 were in attendance.

The speech only lasted 2 minutes.

Initially ignored because of its shortness, the address later became one of the most popular speeches in American History.

Chapter 11, Section Chapter 11, Section 44

Devastation and a New Devastation and a New FreedomFreedom

A Change of AttitudeA Change of Attitude

The Confederate capital at Richmond, VA The Confederate capital at Richmond, VA has a new feeling about its streets.has a new feeling about its streets. Many cities set fire by Union troops, but the Many cities set fire by Union troops, but the

Confederates set Richmond ablaze on their Confederates set Richmond ablaze on their own.own.

African Americans welcome the arriving Union African Americans welcome the arriving Union army with open arms.army with open arms.

A More Aggressive Gen. A More Aggressive Gen. GrantGrant

Confederates hope to hold defenses until Union Confederates hope to hold defenses until Union election in November of 1864election in November of 1864

Feel that another president may replace Lincoln and Feel that another president may replace Lincoln and grant independence to the south.grant independence to the south.

Lincoln puts Grant in charge of the Union army Lincoln puts Grant in charge of the Union army and brings him east to fight Leeand brings him east to fight Lee

Gen. William Sherman is placed in the west Gen. William Sherman is placed in the west Both plan to beat the Confederates through greater Both plan to beat the Confederates through greater

population and industry.population and industry. Grant plans to charge directly to Richmond, Grant plans to charge directly to Richmond,

knowing that Lee will have to fight to defend knowing that Lee will have to fight to defend the capitalthe capital

Battle of the WildernessBattle of the Wilderness 2 Day battle that begins on May 52 Day battle that begins on May 5thth

This is Lee’s first attempt to stop Grant’s This is Lee’s first attempt to stop Grant’s march.march.

Fought in the same location as the Battle of Fought in the same location as the Battle of Chancellorsville. Chancellorsville.

Fought in a dense forest…… The woods caught on Fought in a dense forest…… The woods caught on fire!!!!fire!!!!

Confusion occurs because of thisConfusion occurs because of this Longstreet is shot only a short distance from where Longstreet is shot only a short distance from where

Jackson was shot the year beforeJackson was shot the year before Grant loses many men but refuses to retreatGrant loses many men but refuses to retreat

He marches around the Confederates and continues He marches around the Confederates and continues towards Richmondtowards Richmond

Spotsylvania and Cold Spotsylvania and Cold HarborHarbor

May 8May 8thth - Spotsylvania - Spotsylvania Confederates catch up to the Union forces and Confederates catch up to the Union forces and

a 2 week battle follows.a 2 week battle follows. Grant suffers major casualties again but still follows Grant suffers major casualties again but still follows

his route to Richmond. Ensures Lincoln he will his route to Richmond. Ensures Lincoln he will continue to fight.continue to fight.

June 3June 3rdrd – Cold Harbor – Cold Harbor Grant mounts two attacks and again loses Grant mounts two attacks and again loses

many troops. This time 7,000.many troops. This time 7,000.

Siege at PetersburgSiege at Petersburg

A railroad center south of Richmond.A railroad center south of Richmond. Supplied food to the city.Supplied food to the city.

Grant’s attack fails and in two months he has lost Grant’s attack fails and in two months he has lost 65,000 more of his troops.65,000 more of his troops. So many men died that some had pinned their So many men died that some had pinned their

name/address on their uniform so they could be name/address on their uniform so they could be identified.identified.

June 18June 18thth, 1864 Grant opts for siege tactics., 1864 Grant opts for siege tactics. Lee has trouble replacing casualties and tries to defend Lee has trouble replacing casualties and tries to defend

until the November election in the Union.until the November election in the Union.

Shenandoah ValleyShenandoah Valley

Grant sends General Phil Sheridan to Grant sends General Phil Sheridan to attack and destroy all transportation attack and destroy all transportation routes and crops.routes and crops. One home burned belonged to a relative of One home burned belonged to a relative of

Robert E. Lee; Henrietta Lee.Robert E. Lee; Henrietta Lee. This marks the beginning of Grant’s utter This marks the beginning of Grant’s utter

devastation of the South.devastation of the South.

Sherman takes GeorgiaSherman takes Georgia Same tactics as Grant with Atlanta as his Same tactics as Grant with Atlanta as his

goal.goal. General Joseph Johnston would defend in the General Joseph Johnston would defend in the

same way as Lee.same way as Lee. Johnston was replaced by General James Hood who Johnston was replaced by General James Hood who

Jefferson Davis thought would be more aggressiveJefferson Davis thought would be more aggressive A series of battles results in their retreat to A series of battles results in their retreat to

Atlanta and Gen Sherman lays siege to Atlanta.Atlanta and Gen Sherman lays siege to Atlanta. Confederate army flees the city in early September.Confederate army flees the city in early September.

Sherman’s March to the Sherman’s March to the SeaSea

Plans to march to capture Plans to march to capture Savannah.Savannah. Torches the city of Atlanta Torches the city of Atlanta

before leavingbefore leaving Causes complete destruction for Causes complete destruction for

300 miles.300 miles. Destroys bridges, factories, Destroys bridges, factories,

railroads, livestock, crops and railroads, livestock, crops and even homes.even homes.

Arrives in Savannah and the Arrives in Savannah and the Confederates have already Confederates have already fled. Easily takes the city.fled. Easily takes the city.

Election of 1864Election of 1864

Lincoln (Rep.) runs with Andrew JohnsonLincoln (Rep.) runs with Andrew Johnson Johnson was a Pro Union SouthernerJohnson was a Pro Union Southerner

Lincoln faces trouble for his pocket Veto of the Wade Lincoln faces trouble for his pocket Veto of the Wade – Davis Bill……. Union Party.– Davis Bill……. Union Party.

Ran against Gen. McClellan - DemocratRan against Gen. McClellan - Democrat Thought his chances were good because he had Thought his chances were good because he had

support from some troops.support from some troops. Promised to negotiate an end to war Promised to negotiate an end to war

Lincoln wins easily after Union capture of Lincoln wins easily after Union capture of AtlantaAtlanta

FreedomFreedom

February 1865 – Lincoln and Congress February 1865 – Lincoln and Congress pass the Thirteenth Amendment.pass the Thirteenth Amendment. Became a law on December 18Became a law on December 18thth

The law ended slavery in the United States The law ended slavery in the United States permanently.permanently.

It becomes apparent that the war is nearly It becomes apparent that the war is nearly over.over.

End of the War.End of the War. Sherman marches from Savannah to SCSherman marches from Savannah to SC

SC was seen as the basis for Confederate belief SC was seen as the basis for Confederate belief because it was the 1because it was the 1stst state to secede. state to secede.

Even more brutal than he was in Georgia.Even more brutal than he was in Georgia. Burns nearly all houses in his pathBurns nearly all houses in his path Burns half of Columbia, the state capital, to the Burns half of Columbia, the state capital, to the

groundground Stops the destruction of civilian property upon Stops the destruction of civilian property upon

entering North Carolina.entering North Carolina.

Surrender at AppomattoxSurrender at Appomattox Lee tries to reunite with Lee tries to reunite with

Johnston to combine Johnston to combine forces, but is cut off and forces, but is cut off and retreats to the small town retreats to the small town of Appomattox, Virginia.of Appomattox, Virginia. Lee knows the war is over Lee knows the war is over

despite suggestions to despite suggestions to begin guerilla warfare. begin guerilla warfare.

Lee and Grant meet in the Lee and Grant meet in the house of Wilmer McLean.house of Wilmer McLean.

Terms of SurrenderTerms of Surrender Lee and Grant talked peacefully and then Lee and Grant talked peacefully and then

exchanged plans for the surrender.exchanged plans for the surrender. Troops could return home with their horses.Troops could return home with their horses. Would not be punished as traitors.Would not be punished as traitors. Grant offered to feed the Confederate troops.Grant offered to feed the Confederate troops.

Grant orders no celebration in the Union army Grant orders no celebration in the Union army because the southerners were “our because the southerners were “our countrymen again”countrymen again”

Surrender met with mixed feelings in the Surrender met with mixed feelings in the south.south.

Gen. Johnston surrenders to Sherman in NC a few Gen. Johnston surrenders to Sherman in NC a few weeks laterweeks later

Confederate surrender continues throughout the Confederate surrender continues throughout the monthmonth

Lincoln’s AssassinationLincoln’s Assassination Shot at Ford’s Theater in Shot at Ford’s Theater in

Washington D.C. by John Washington D.C. by John Wilkes BoothWilkes Booth Lincoln dies early the next Lincoln dies early the next

morning after nothing could be morning after nothing could be done for him.done for him.

Booth is found in a barn hiding, Booth is found in a barn hiding, the barn is burned and shot at, the barn is burned and shot at, killing him.killing him.

A Tragic loss, but what was A Tragic loss, but what was gained by the war?gained by the war?