Civil War & Reconstruction

Question 1

“Fire-Eaters”

Answer 1

Fire Eaters refers to a group of extremist pro-slavery politicians from the South who urged the separation of southern states into a new nation, which became known as the Confederate States of America.

Question 2

Crittenden Compromise

Answer 2

The Crittenden Compromise was a proposal made by Senator John J. Crittenden in late 1860 aimed at preventing the secession of Southern states and the ensuing Civil War by addressing the concerns of slaveholding states. It sought to extend the Missouri Compromise line westward to the Pacific Ocean, allowing for the continuation of slavery in territories south of this line while prohibiting it north of the line. This compromise was significant as it represented a last-ditch effort to reconcile differences between the North and South during a time of intense national strife.

Question 3

Border States

Answer 3

Lincoln & the Border States refers to President Abraham Lincoln’s strategies to maintain the loyalty of the border states during the Civil War, which were slave states that remained in the Union. These states, including Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, were crucial for the Union’s military and economic resources. Lincoln’s policies aimed to prevent these states from seceding while also balancing the complex issues of slavery and loyalty.

Question 3

Confederate States Of America

Answer 3

The Confederate States of America (CSA) was a collection of 11 Southern states that seceded from the United States from 1860 to 1861, primarily over the issues of slavery and states’ rights. Formed in response to the election of Abraham Lincoln, the CSA sought to establish itself as a separate nation, which ultimately led to the American Civil War. The Confederacy’s existence marked a significant turning point in U.S. history, highlighting deep-seated regional tensions and the failure of compromises to maintain unity.

Question 4

Fort Sumter

Answer 4

Fort Sumter is a sea fort located in Charleston, South Carolina, famous for being the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War on April 12, 1861. This event marked the beginning of open conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states that had seceded, becoming critical in understanding the escalating tensions following the Election of 1860.

Question 5

New York City Draft Riots (1863)

Answer 5

The New York Draft Riots were violent disturbances in July 1863 that arose in response to the implementation of the draft during the Civil War. The riots reflected deep societal tensions, including class divisions and racial animosities, as many working-class white New Yorkers opposed conscription and perceived it as an unfair burden on the poor. This conflict highlighted broader issues surrounding government policies during the war, particularly regarding civil liberties and the implications of conscription.

Question 6

National Bank Acts

Answer 6

The National Banking Act was a piece of legislation passed in 1863 and 1864 aimed at creating a system of national banks in the United States. This act sought to establish a uniform national currency, promote financial stability, and facilitate the financing of the Civil War by allowing banks to issue standardized banknotes backed by government bonds. It marked a significant shift in the federal government’s role in banking and laid the groundwork for the modern banking system.

Question 7

Greenbacks

Answer 7

The Greenback Party was a political party formed in the United States in the 1870s that advocated for the issuance of paper money, known as greenbacks, to help farmers and working-class citizens cope with economic hardships. This party emerged during a time of significant economic turmoil and focused on monetary reform, emphasizing the need for government intervention in the economy, which resonated with many who felt disenfranchised by existing political parties.

Question 8

Homestead Act (1862)

Answer 8

The Homestead Act of 1862 was a significant piece of legislation that granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, provided they improved the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act was a crucial element in promoting westward expansion and played a vital role in the concept of Manifest Destiny, encouraging many to seek new opportunities in the American frontier.

Question 9

Transcontinental Railroad Act (1862)

Answer 9

The Pacific Railway Act was a series of laws passed by the United States Congress in the 1860s that promoted the construction of a transcontinental railroad, facilitating the link between the eastern states and California. This act aimed to encourage westward expansion by providing land grants and financial incentives to railroad companies, ultimately transforming transportation and commerce across the nation.

Question 10

Morrill Land Grant Act (1862)

Answer 10

The Morrill Land Grant Act, enacted in 1862, was a significant piece of legislation that provided federal land to states to fund the establishment of colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanical arts. This act aimed to promote higher education and support agricultural development in the United States, contributing to the broader context of educational reform and economic expansion during the post-Civil War era.

Question 11

Jefferson Davis

Answer 11

Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, serving from 1861 to 1865. As a key figure in the secession movement, he played a crucial role in the establishment of the Confederacy and led the South during its military efforts against the Union. His leadership style and decisions significantly impacted the course of the Civil War and the South’s struggle for independence.

Question 12

Confederate Dollar

Answer 12

Unstable; over 9,000% inflation; print a lot

Question 13

Anaconda Plan

Answer 13

The Anaconda Plan was a military strategy proposed by Union General Winfield Scott during the early stages of the Civil War. This plan aimed to suppress the Confederacy by blockading Southern ports and controlling the Mississippi River, effectively squeezing the Confederate states economically and militarily. The idea was to strangle the South’s resources, limiting their ability to sustain the war effort and forcing them into submission over time.

Question 14

Trent Affair

Answer 14

incident in which a Union ship north of Cuba stopped a British mail steamer, the Trent, and forcibly removed two Confederate diplomats bound for Europe; first major Anglo-American crisis, outraged Britons who demanded release of prisoners and an apology, slow communication eased tensions but Lincoln reluctantly released prisoners

Question 15

Robert E. Lee

Answer 15

Robert E. Lee was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, best known for commanding the Army of Northern Virginia. His military strategies and leadership greatly influenced the course of the war, making him a key figure in military conflict during this period.

Question 16

George McClellan

Answer 16

George B. McClellan was a Union general during the American Civil War, known for his organizational skills and his command of the Army of the Potomac. He played a crucial role in several significant battles but faced criticism for his cautious approach and failure to pursue Confederate forces aggressively, particularly after the Battle of Antietam. His leadership style and strategies significantly influenced military operations in the Civil War.

Question 17

Ulysses S. Grant

Answer 17

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States and a prominent Union general during the American Civil War, known for his leadership in key military campaigns. He played a crucial role in securing Union victories, particularly at battles like Vicksburg and Appomattox, which were pivotal in the defeat of the Confederacy. Grant’s military strategies and relentless pursuit of Confederate forces helped turn the tide of the war, establishing him as a significant figure in American history.

Question 18

Minié Ball

Answer 18

The Minié ball bullet is a conical-shaped projectile that was developed in the mid-19th century, designed for use in rifled muskets. This innovative bullet significantly increased the range and accuracy of firearms, which had profound implications for military tactics and warfare during the period of imperial expansion and conflict.

Question 19

Ironclads

Answer 19

Ironclads were warships armored with iron or steel plates, marking a significant advancement in naval warfare during the Civil War. These vessels played a crucial role in changing naval strategies and tactics, demonstrating the shift from wooden ships to more formidable iron-armored ships. The introduction of ironclads not only altered the dynamics of naval battles but also influenced the design and construction of warships for years to come.

Question 20

Battle Of Gettysburg (1863)

Answer 20

The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal military engagement fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War, marking a turning point in the conflict. This battle saw the Union Army, led by General George Meade, successfully repel the Confederate Army, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, preventing Lee’s invasion of the North. The significance of this battle extends beyond its military outcome, as it also influenced government policies and the war’s trajectory, showcasing the changing nature of warfare and its impact on both the Union and Confederate states.

Question 21

Battle Of Vicksburg (1863)

Answer 21

Vicksburg was a pivotal city during the American Civil War, located on the Mississippi River in Mississippi. It served as a strategic stronghold for the Confederacy, controlling vital supply lines and trade routes, and its capture by Union forces marked a significant turning point in the war, leading to the eventual control of the Mississippi River by the Union.

Question 22

Radical Republicans

Answer 22

Radical Republicans were a faction of the Republican Party during the Reconstruction Era that advocated for civil rights and harsh penalties for the Southern states that seceded. They sought to transform Southern society through policies aimed at securing equal rights for freed slaves and ensuring their integration into American political life. Their influence significantly shaped the direction of Reconstruction and left a lasting impact on civil rights legislation.

Question 23

Contraband

Answer 23

contraband often refers to something smuggled out of a country. Runaway slaves who often turned up in Union army camps were often coined as contraband during the civil war. Many of these slaves earned their freedom after the war.

Question 24

Emancipation Proclamation (1863)

Answer 24

The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, that declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. This landmark document not only transformed the Civil War into a fight against slavery but also signified a crucial turning point in American history as it laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery nationwide.

Question 25

Copperheads

Answer 25

Copperheads, also known as Peace Democrats, were a faction of Northern Democrats during the Civil War who opposed the war and advocated for an immediate peace settlement with the Confederacy. This group believed that the war was not worth the cost in lives and resources and sought to negotiate peace, often criticizing President Abraham Lincoln's administration and its policies. Their stance influenced public opinion and political dynamics in the North during a tumultuous period.

Question 26

Habeas Corpus

Answer 26

Habeas Corpus Suspension refers to the legal act of temporarily suspending the right of individuals to challenge their detention in court. This action was taken during the Civil War primarily by President Abraham Lincoln, as he aimed to maintain public order and suppress dissent against the Union government. The suspension allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without immediate trial, which raised significant concerns regarding civil liberties during a time of national crisis.

Question 27

Clara Barton

Answer 27

(1821-1912) Massachusetts-born teacher and philanthropist who served as a nurse with the Union army during the Civil War. After the war, she became involved with the newly formed International Red Cross, serving as the first president of the American branch from 1882 to 1904.

Question 28

United States Sanitary Commission

Answer 28

Founded with the help of Elizabeth Blackwell, the government agency trained nurses, collected medical supplies and equipped hospitals in an effort to help the Union Army. The commission helped professionalize nursing and gave many women the confidence and organizational skills to propel the women's movement in the postwar years.

Question 29

Siege Of Petersburg

Answer 29

stalemate between Lee and Grant. Grant forced confederates to abandone Petersburg and Richmond and pursued them by cutting off their line of retreat to the South. Lee surrendered

Question 30

March To The Sea (1864)

Answer 30

The March to the Sea, led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War, refers to the military campaign that took place in late 1864, where Sherman and his troops marched from Atlanta, Georgia, to the coastal city of Savannah. This campaign was aimed at crippling the Confederate war effort by destroying infrastructure, supplies, and morale while demonstrating the Union's power and resolve. Sherman's strategy of total war sought not just to defeat enemy forces but to demoralize Southern civilians and undermine their support for the Confederacy.

Question 31

William T. Sherman

Answer 31

William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War, known for his significant military strategy and leadership, particularly his implementation of 'total war' tactics against the Confederacy. Sherman's most notable campaign, known as the March to the Sea, aimed to destroy the South's economic resources and morale, thereby hastening the end of the war. His actions not only contributed to the Union victory but also shaped military strategies in future conflicts.

Question 32

Gettysburg Address (1863)

Answer 32

The Gettysburg Address is a brief but powerful speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This speech emphasized the principles of human equality and the importance of preserving the Union, connecting the Civil War to the broader struggle for freedom and democracy.

Question 33

Presidential Reconstruction

Answer 33

Presidential Reconstruction refers to the period following the Civil War from 1865 to 1867, characterized by the efforts of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson to reintegrate the Southern states back into the Union. This approach emphasized leniency and rapid restoration, allowing Southern states to rejoin with minimal requirements, primarily focusing on the acceptance of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. This period is crucial for understanding the early attempts at rebuilding the nation and addressing the challenges posed by the end of slavery.

Question 34

Radical Republicans

Answer 34

Radical Republicans were a faction of the Republican Party during the Reconstruction Era that advocated for civil rights and harsh penalties for the Southern states that seceded. They sought to transform Southern society through policies aimed at securing equal rights for freed slaves and ensuring their integration into American political life. Their influence significantly shaped the direction of Reconstruction and left a lasting impact on civil rights legislation.

Question 35

Congressional (Radical) Reconstruction

Answer 35

Radical Reconstruction refers to the period following the Civil War when Congress, dominated by the Radical Republicans, implemented a series of policies aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for freed slaves. This era was marked by significant federal intervention in Southern politics and society, including the passage of the Reconstruction Acts, which divided the South into military districts governed by Union generals. The goal was to create a more equitable society, but these efforts ultimately faced fierce opposition and led to deep-seated tensions that contributed to the eventual failure of Reconstruction.

Question 36

Ironclad Oath

Answer 36

The Ironclad Oath was an oath promoted by Radical Republicans and opposed by President Abraham Lincoln to limit the political activity of ex-Confederate soldiers and supporters. It enabled a Republican coalition to come to power in ten Southern states during Reconstruction, and was the source of anger on the part of local civic leaders who were prevented from voting or holding office.

Question 37

Black Codes

Answer 37

Black Codes were laws passed by Southern states after the Civil War aimed at controlling the labor and behavior of formerly enslaved people. These laws severely restricted the rights of African Americans, limiting their freedom and economic opportunities, while reinforcing white supremacy in the post-Reconstruction era. The Black Codes exemplified the struggle over civil rights and the ongoing tension between different racial groups during the time.

Question 38

Fourteenth Amendment

Answer 38

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, was a significant addition to the U.S. Constitution that granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. It aimed to secure the rights of former slaves and address issues related to Reconstruction, ensuring that states could not deny any person due process or equal protection of the laws.

Question 39

Freedmen’s Bureau

Answer 39

The Freedmen's Bureau was a federal agency established in 1865 to assist newly freed slaves in the South after the Civil War. It aimed to provide food, housing, education, and medical care while helping African Americans transition to freedom and find employment. The Bureau played a crucial role during Reconstruction but faced numerous challenges that contributed to its eventual decline.

Question 40

Fifteenth Amendment

Answer 40

The 15th Amendment is a significant part of the United States Constitution that prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on 'race, color, or previous condition of servitude.' Ratified in 1870, this amendment was a crucial element of the Reconstruction Era, aiming to secure voting rights for African American men after the Civil War. Its passage marked a pivotal step toward achieving racial equality and laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements.

Question 41

Carpetbaggers

Answer 41

Carpetbaggers were individuals, primarily from the North, who moved to the South after the Civil War, often seen as opportunists seeking to exploit the post-war turmoil for personal gain. This term is closely linked to the era of Reconstruction, where these newcomers aimed to help rebuild the South while also benefiting from the economic and political instability that followed the war. The actions and intentions of carpetbaggers were met with both support and hostility, reflecting the complex dynamics of Reconstruction society.

Question 42

Scalawags

Answer 42

Scalawags were Southern whites who supported Reconstruction after the Civil War, often collaborating with Northern Republicans. They were seen as traitors by many in the South, as they aligned with the policies aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for newly freed African Americans. This term is deeply connected to the broader failures of Reconstruction, highlighting the resistance faced by those who sought to implement change during this tumultuous period.

Question 43

Ku Klux Klan

Answer 43

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a white supremacist hate group that emerged in the United States after the Civil War, specifically during the Reconstruction era. This organization aimed to maintain white dominance through acts of terror and intimidation against African Americans and their allies. The Klan's activities contributed to the establishment of a racially segregated society in the 'New South', highlighting the resistance to civil rights and social equality for freed slaves.

Question 44

Tenure Of Office Act (1868)

Answer 44

The Tenure of Office Act was a law passed by Congress in 1867 aimed at restricting the president's power to remove certain officeholders without the Senate's approval. This act was primarily created during the Reconstruction era to protect members of President Andrew Johnson's cabinet, particularly those sympathetic to the goals of Reconstruction. The law became a significant point of contention between Congress and the presidency, ultimately leading to Johnson's impeachment.

Question 45

Panic Of 1873

Answer 45

The Panic of 1873 was a financial crisis that triggered a severe economic depression in the United States and Europe, beginning with the collapse of Jay Cooke & Company, a major bank heavily invested in railroads. This crisis exposed the fragility of the post-Civil War economy and led to widespread bank failures, unemployment, and social unrest. The fallout from this panic highlighted debates about the role of government in regulating the economy and the impact of westward expansion, as it coincided with the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and increased speculation in the railroad industry.

Question 46

Compromise Of 1877

Answer 46

The Compromise of 1877 was a purported informal, unwritten deal that settled the intensely disputed 1876 U.S. presidential election, pulled federal troops out of state politics in the South, and ended the Reconstruction Era. Through the Compromise, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was awarded the White House over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden on the understanding that Hayes would remove the federal troops whose support was essential for the survival of Republican state governments in South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana. The compromise involved Democrats who controlled the House of Representatives allowing the decision of the Electoral Commission to take effect. The outgoing president, Republican Ulysses S. Grant, removed the soldiers from Florida. As president, Hayes removed the remaining troops in South Carolina and Louisiana. As soon as the troops left, many white Republicans also left and the "Redeemer" Democrats took control. What exactly happened is somewhat contested as the documentation is scanty. African American historians sometimes call it "The Great Betrayal."

Question 47

Redeemer Governments

Answer 47

Largely former slave owners who were the bitterest opponents of the Republican program in the South. Staged a major counterrevolution to "redeem" the south by taking back southern state governments. Their foundation rested on the idea of racism and white supremacy. Redeemer governments waged and aggressive assault on African Americans.

Question 48

Sharecropping

Answer 48

Sharecropping was an agricultural system that emerged in the South after the Civil War, where landowners allowed tenants to use their land in exchange for a share of the crops produced. This system became a means of economic survival for many freed African Americans and poor whites, but it often trapped them in cycles of debt and poverty, influencing the social and economic landscape of the postwar South.

Question 49

Jim Crow Laws

Answer 49

Jim Crow Laws were state and local statutes enacted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans in the Southern United States. These laws emerged after the Reconstruction era, establishing a system of institutionalized racism that restricted black citizens' rights and maintained white supremacy.

Question 50

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Answer 50

Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 1896 that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the doctrine of 'separate but equal.' This ruling solidified Jim Crow laws in the South and allowed for the continued discrimination against African Americans, shaping the legal landscape of racial relations for decades.

Question 51

Tuskegee Institute

Answer 51

The Tuskegee Institute was a historically black college founded in 1881 in Tuskegee, Alabama, by Booker T. Washington. It became a significant educational institution aimed at providing African Americans with vocational training and practical skills to improve their economic status in the post-Civil War South. The institute's emphasis on industrial education was central to the vision of a 'New South' where African Americans could gain self-sufficiency and respect through hard work and skilled labor.