The American Civil War was a conflict between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states that seceded to form the Confederacy.
Main causes included tensions over slavery, states' rights, and territorial expansion.
Early 1800s Context
In 1819, the US had a balance of 11 free states and 11 slave states.
The concept of Manifest Destiny fueled US expansion but created tensions over whether new states would allow slavery.
Missouri Compromise (1820)
Proposed by Henry Clay to maintain balance: Missouri as a slave state, Maine as a free state.
Territories north of 36° 30' latitude were to be free states.
Texas and Mexican-American War
Texas, a former part of Mexico, wanted to join the US as a slave state, upsetting the balance.
President James K. Polk, a supporter of Manifest Destiny, provoked the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), resulting in US gaining territories (California, New Mexico, etc.).
Compromise of 1850
Allowed California to join as a free state with a pro-slavery senator.
Introduced popular sovereignty for new territories to decide on slavery.
Kansas-Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas
Introduced by Senator Stephen Douglas, allowing Kansas and Nebraska to decide on slavery by popular vote.
Led to violent conflicts known as Bleeding Kansas.
Cultural and Economic Differences
North industrialized with less reliance on slavery, leading to abolitionist movements.
South remained agrarian, dependent on slavery for its economy.
Prelude to War
Events like the Fugitive Slave Act, Dred Scott decision, and John Brown's raid increased tensions.
Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 escalated secession talks.
Start of the Civil War (1861)
South Carolina seceded, followed by 10 more states, forming the Confederate States of America.
The war began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter.
Key Battles and Campaigns
Anaconda Plan: Union strategy to suffocate the South through blockades and control of the Mississippi River.
Battle of Bull Run: First major battle, Confederate victory.
Battle of Antietam: Bloodiest single-day battle.
Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
Declared freedom for slaves in Confederate states, changed the war's moral focus.
Allowed African Americans to join the Union army.
Turning Points and End of the War
Battle of Gettysburg: Major Union victory, turning point of the war.
Sherman's March to the Sea devastated the South's infrastructure.
General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House (1865), effectively ending the war.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Civil War resulted in significant loss of life and changes in American society.
Reconstruction followed, aiming to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves into society.
The war is viewed as a fight over freedom vs. slavery and remains a significant chapter in US history.