Failure of compromise and outbreak of war Flashcards
(16 cards)
What were the key provisions of the Crittended Compromise 1860?
- Constitutional amendment protecting slavery in already slave states
- Missouri Compromise line extended to Pacific
- Compensation for fugitive slaved
- Ban on abolishing slavery in federal territories
Why did the Crittenden Compromise fail?
Lincoln and Republicans rejected slavery extension
Southern states already seceding during negotiations
What was the Peace Conference of 1861?
Convened in Washington DC February 1861
21 states participated
Proposed a constitutional amendment similar to Crittenden Compromise
Why did the 1861 Peace Conference fail?
Deep South states wouldn’t attend
Republicans rejected the proposals
Lincoln privately opposed the compromise
7 states had already formed the Confederacy
How did the Corwin Amendment differ from other compromise attempts?
It was the only compromise to pass Congress
(Wanted to prohibit federal interference with slavery where it existed and would have been irrevocable)
Why did the Corwin Amendment fail?
Didn’t address territorial slavery
Outbreak of war suspended ratification (formal signing) efforts
When was Buchanan president?
1857-1861 (replaced by Lincoln)
What was President Buchanan’s approach to preventing civil war during secession crisis?
Attempted naval reinforcement of Fort Sumter
Urged Congress to adopt Crittenden Compromise
Delegated crisis management to incoming Lincoln administration
What was the significance of Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address?
Declared secession unconstitutional and Union perpetual
Refused territorial slavery compromise
Placed responsibility for conflict on the South
What was the significance of Fort Sumter in triggering the Civil War?
Federal fort in South Carolina
Transformed political crisis into military conflict
Provided ‘casus belli’ (cause for war) for each side
First shots of civil war fired
What actions did Lincoln take immediately after Fort Sumter?
15 April- called for 75,000 militia to serve for 90 days
Blockaded Southern ports
Expanded army by 40,000 volunteers
Allocated $2 million in emergency military funding
Ordered redistribution of arms to loyal states
Which Upper South states seceded after Fort Sumter?
Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina
Why did the Border States remain in the Union?
Border States: Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri
Strong economic ties to the North
Geographic vulnerability to Union forces
Special treatment by Lincoln administration
What % of Northerners supported war after Fort Sumter?
What % of Southerners supported secession in Lower South?
70%
90%
What was the first major battle of the Civil War and who won?
First Battle of Bull Run July 1861
Confederate victory
How many additional volunteers did Lincoln call for after first Confederate victory?
500,000
