Causes and Consequences of the Civil War

Sep 17, 2024

The American Civil War: Causes and Consequences

Territorial Expansion and Slavery

  • 1803-1854: Rapid expansion of the US through purchase, negotiation, and conquest.
    • Territories acquired from France, Spain, the UK, and Mexico.
    • Resulted in the US tripling its size, leading to challenges in administration.
  • Primary Conflict: Whether new territories should be free or slave states.
    • Northern States: Advocated for new states to be free.
    • Southern States: Wanted new states to be slave states.
  • Economic Divide:
    • North: Industrializing rapidly, population of 23 million.
    • South: Relied on slavery and agriculture, population of 9 million with 3.5 million slaves.

Rising Tensions and Political Atmosphere

  • Ideological Differences:
    • South: Emphasized property rights, saw the Union as voluntary.
    • North: Emphasized central government and equality.
  • Compromises and Tensions:
    • Compromise of 1850: California statehood, self-determination for new lands, Fugitive Slave Law.
    • Rise of the Republican Party in 1854, strongly anti-slavery.
  • Pre-war Atmosphere:
    • Politicians carried guns; physical altercations in Congress.

Civil War Begins

  • Lincoln's Election (1860):
    • Triggered secession of seven southern states before his office term.
    • South Carolina's attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861 initiated the war.
  • Key States:
    • Border states like Maryland, Delaware, Missouri, and Kentucky had complex positions.

Early Battles and Strategies

  • Union Struggles:
    • Old generals; faced brilliant Confederate generals like Robert E. Lee.
  • Naval Blockade:
    • Union blockade to cut Confederate supplies.
  • First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861):
    • Chaotic with inexperienced soldiers.
    • Confederate victory.

Turning Points

  • Battle of Antietam (Sept 17, 1862):
    • Bloodiest day, ended in a draw.
    • Foiled Lee's plans to invade the North.
  • Emancipation Proclamation (Jan 1, 1863):
    • Abolished slavery in Confederate states.
    • Shifted war focus to slavery abolition.
  • Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863):
    • Decisive Northern victory.
  • Siege of Vicksburg:
    • Gave Union control over Mississippi River.

War Conclusion

  • Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:
    • Redefined war purpose; emphasized equality.
  • Grant's Leadership:
    • Appointed General-in-Chief, attacked on all fronts.
  • Sherman's Campaign:
    • Took Atlanta, significant Union victories.
  • Lee's Surrender (April 1865):
    • Richmond fell, Confederate surrender followed.

Aftermath and Reconstruction

  • 13th Amendment:
    • Passed and ratified, abolished slavery.
  • Lincoln's Assassination (April 14, 1865):
    • Killed by John Wilkes Booth.
  • Reconstruction Challenges:
    • 750,000 men died; task of rebuilding and reconciliation.
  • Legacy:
    • Lincoln preserved the Union, fought for equality.
    • The Civil War remains the deadliest conflict in American history.

Contemporary Reflections

  • Ongoing Struggles:
    • Efforts to end discrimination and achieve equality continue.
    • Lincoln remembered as a pivotal figure in US history.