Overview
This lecture introduces the American Civil War, focusing on the causes of the conflict, the formation of the Confederacy, the crisis at Fort Sumter, comparisons between the Union and Confederacy, and the first major battle—First Bull Run.
Causes of the Civil War
- The causes of the Civil War remain debated, mainly between states' rights and slavery.
- Historians' consensus is that the secession of lower South states sparked the war.
- Secession was primarily driven by southern leaders’ intent to protect slavery.
- The "Cornerstone Speech" by Confederate VP Alexander Stephens clearly states slavery as the foundation of the Confederacy.
Formation of the Confederate States of America
- Seven seceded southern states met at the Montgomery Convention (March 1861) to form the Confederacy.
- The Confederate Constitution closely resembled the U.S. Constitution but guaranteed state sovereignty and slavery.
- Jefferson Davis, a moderate from Mississippi, was elected as the Confederacy’s first president.
Crisis at Fort Sumter
- After secession, federal military forts remained within the Confederacy; most surrendered peacefully, except Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.
- Lincoln refused to recognize secession, deciding to resupply Fort Sumter with provisions only.
- Confederate forces, under Beauregard, bombarded the fort on April 12, 1861, starting the Civil War.
- Lincoln responded by calling for 75,000 volunteers to suppress the rebellion.
- This led to a second wave of secession: Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas joined the Confederacy.
Union vs. Confederacy: Comparative Strengths
- Union: ~22.6 million people, 5.9 million able-bodied males, 2 million served (34%), industrial and economic superiority, large navy.
- Confederacy: ~8.8 million people (3.7 million enslaved), 1.25 million able-bodied males, 800,000 served (64%), agricultural economy, limited industry and navy.
- Union war aim: preserve the Union (not initially to end slavery).
- Confederate war aim: independence and preservation of their way of life, including slavery; fought defensively.
The Battle of First Bull Run (Manassas)
- First major land battle: July 1861 near Manassas, Virginia.
- Initially favored the Union, but “Stonewall” Jackson held the line for the Confederacy.
- Confederates reinforced by rail, leading to a Union retreat.
- Significance: showed the war would be long and bloody, halted Union advance, and gave Confederacy their best chance for a quick victory.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Secession — withdrawal of states from the Union, leading to the Confederacy’s formation.
- Confederate States of America — nation formed by southern states that seceded from the U.S.
- Fort Sumter — U.S. fort in Charleston Harbor where the Civil War began.
- Cornerstone Speech — address by Alexander Stephens stating slavery as the foundation of the Confederacy.
- First Bull Run/Manassas — first major battle of the Civil War, resulting in Confederate victory.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review significance of major battles for quizzes and exams.
- Prepare for Part 2, covering major events of 1862 and the intensification of the war.