Crash Course U.S. History: The Civil War

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: The Civil War and its impact on the formation of the nation
• What will not be covered:
  • Detailed battle descriptions or tactics
  • Extensive focus on Abraham Lincoln
  • Alternative causes of the Civil War other than slavery

Basic Facts about the American Civil War

• Duration: 1861-1865
• Presidency: Abraham Lincoln
• Opposing Sides:
  • The Union (North)
  • The Confederate States of America (South)
• Casualties: Estimated between 680,000 and 800,000

The Civil War and Slavery

• The war was primarily about slavery.
• Lincoln's quote from his second inaugural address confirms slavery as the cause.
• Common misconceptions: agriculture vs. industry, and states' rights.

Border States

• States with slavery that didn't join Confederacy: Kentucky, Missouri, Delaware, Maryland
• These states were strategically important to the Union.

Union and Confederate Advantages

• Union (North):
  • Larger population (22 million)
  • Economic strength (90% of goods manufactured)
  • Infrastructure (20,000 miles of railroad)
• Confederacy (South):
  • Skilled military leaders

The Southern Strategy

• Confederacy needed to build national unity and create a nation.
• Strategy of attrition: Outlasting Northern efforts.
• Problems with Southern strategy:
  • Long time needed to wear down the North
  • Resource depletion

Union Strategy

• Ulysses S. Grant championed a strategy of attrition for the Union.
• Willing to sustain high casualties for victory.
• Key victories in 1863 and 1864 that shifted the war's momentum.

Key Turning Points

• July 1863: Significant Union victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg
  • Ended Confederate threat to Northern cities
• August 1864: Union capture of Atlanta
  • Political impact on the 1864 election

The 1864 Election

• Lincoln's re-election ensured continued Union pursuit of victory.
• The capture of Atlanta shifted public opinion in Lincoln's favor.

Conclusion

• Overall Outcome: The Union's victory was influenced by military and political factors.
• Next Topic: Effects of the Civil War and the question of who freed the slaves.

Production Credits

• Produced by Stan Muller
• Script by Raoul Meyer and John Green
• Graphics by Thought Cafe

Reminder

• "Don't forget to be awesome."