The Civil War Part 2: Crash Course US History #21
Key Themes and Topics
- The Civil War's role in shaping modern United States
- Abraham Lincoln's influence on the war outcome
- Lack of foreign intervention aiding Union victory
- Technological advancements and their impact
- Long-term effects: federalization and unification of the US
- Social and economic changes: homesteading, railroads, federal currency, and taxes
Key Historical Aspects
Did Lincoln Free the Slaves?
- Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation: Took effect on Jan 1, 1863, freeing slaves in rebellious territories.
- Controversies: Freed slaves in areas out of US control, not in Union-controlled areas.
- Self-Emancipation: Many slaves freed themselves by escaping to Union lines.
- Lincoln's motives: Prevent British support to Confederacy, push for the 13th Amendment.
Importance of Emancipation
- Shifted war focus from Union preservation to ending slavery.
- Emancipation Proclamation led to 180,000 former slaves and free black men joining the Union Army.
The Gettysburg Address
- Lincoln's speech redefined the Civil War as a second American Revolution.
- Emphasized "a new birth of freedom" and the endurance of a government "of the people, by the people, for the people."
The First Modern War
- Technological Advancements: Use of rifles and machine guns.
- War strategies changed, with increased defense and higher casualties.
- Shifted American culture's approach to mortality and memorials (e.g., national cemeteries).
- Photography by Matthew Brady profoundly changed public perception of war.
Post-War America
Nation Building
- Part of a global trend toward nation-states.
- Change from "The United States are" to "The United States is."
- Industrialization and centralized government became dominant.
Economic and Social Changes
- Homestead Act: Encouraged Western settlement.
- Morrill Land Grant Act: Supported agricultural colleges.
- Pacific Railway Act: Facilitated national unification through railroads.
- Financing the War: Introduction of progressive income tax and creation of a national currency ('Greenbacks').
Industrialization
- Post-war economy leaned towards industrial rather than agrarian.
- Economic Impact: Cost of war was $6.7 billion; hypothetical alternative to buy and free slaves was $3.1 billion.
Conclusion
- The Civil War defined the United States' future as a unified, industrial nation.
- Advocated Alexander Hamilton's vision of a strong federal government.
Production Credits
- Produced by Stan Muller, written by Raoul Meyer and John Green.
- Supported by The Crash Course team.
Resources for Further Learning:
- US National Archives Flickr: Matthew Brady's Civil War photography
Additional Related Topics:
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Frederick Douglass's efforts in abolition
- Lincoln’s assassination and legacy
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