The Civil War (1861-1865)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Region
Union
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Confederacy
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Finding Soldiers to Fight
Desertion was common on both sides. The Union originally consisted of almost entirely volunteers. In 1863 young men had to be drafted because of the dwindling volunteers. The New York Draft Riots was caused by angry Irish Americans strong dislike of the draft. In the end 500 people were killed and entire city blocks were destroyed by fire.
The South had begun to draft in 1862 because to it's smaller population. Wealthy plantation owners purchased the service of others to serve in their place. However, Appalachian "hillbillies" refused to serve.
The South had begun to draft in 1862 because to it's smaller population. Wealthy plantation owners purchased the service of others to serve in their place. However, Appalachian "hillbillies" refused to serve.
Plans and Battles
- Anaconda Plan- the Union Navy would blockade all Southern ports, cutting them off from supplies and trade.
- July 1861,Battle of Bull Run at Manassas- Results in a victorious win for the Confederacy.
- March 1862, Battle of the Ironclads- USS Monitor (Union) vs. CSS Merrimac (Confederacy).
- September 1862, Battle of Antietam- "Bloodiest Single Day of the war." Results in 23,000 casualties.
- January 1, 1863 Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Lincoln.
- 1863, Battle at Vicksburg- Union battle to control the Mississippi and achieve the complete removal of Confederates.
- July 1-3, 1863, Battle at Gettysburg- The deadliest battle and most important battle of the war. Resulted in 53,000 men either killed or wounded.
- 1863 President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address.
- 1864, Sherman's "March to the Sea": scorched earth plan- burned and destroyed fields, houses, and cities.
- April, 1865 Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.
End of Slavery
The Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1,1863 only freed slaves living in the Confederate states. However, President Lincoln worked hard to garner enough votes in Congress to secure the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment which banned slavery. However, President Lincoln was assassinated before he could see the amendment ratified. In 1865, the United States gained about 4 million new citizens instantly.
Consequences of the War
As the Civil War came to an end the overall population of Americans that died in the Civil War was 2% or 620,000 men. Over a million had been wounded. After the war women suddenly became the head of the household from the death or desertion of husbands. Aside fro working at home women now began working in the fields or factories. The government had gained more power. The concept of "democracy" was expanded.
The South was economically devastated- the infrastructure and industry were in ruins. Northern's on the other hand experienced an industrial boom due to wartime demand for manufactured goods.
The Homestead Act granting 160 acres to any family that would farm it for at least five years, the Morill Land Grant Act of 1862 giving federal lands o states of the purpose of building schools, and Pacific Railway Act of 1862 building a transcontinental railroad were passed.
On April 14, 1865 while attending a play in Ford's theater President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.
The South was economically devastated- the infrastructure and industry were in ruins. Northern's on the other hand experienced an industrial boom due to wartime demand for manufactured goods.
The Homestead Act granting 160 acres to any family that would farm it for at least five years, the Morill Land Grant Act of 1862 giving federal lands o states of the purpose of building schools, and Pacific Railway Act of 1862 building a transcontinental railroad were passed.
On April 14, 1865 while attending a play in Ford's theater President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.