The American Civil War Flashcards
(12 cards)
What was the main reason Southern states seceded from the Union in 1860–1861?
Southern states seceded to protect slavery and states’ rights.
What was President Abraham Lincoln’s primary goal at the beginning of the Civil War?
Lincoln’s main goal was to preserve the Union, not to end slavery initially.
Why was the Battle of Bull Run an eeary sign at the beginning of the War?
The Battle of Bull Run showed the war would be long and brutal—not a quick Union victory.
What was an advantage and disadvantage of the Union Army at the beginning of the war?
Union advantage: more industry, railroads, population. Disadvantage: weaker military leadership
What was an advantage the Confederacy had at the beginning of the war?
Confederacy’s advantage: strong military leaders, fighting on home ground.
How did the Union’s Anaconda Plan aim to defeat the Confederacy?
The Anaconda Plan aimed to blockade the South, control the Mississippi, and cut off Confederate resources.
What was the purpose and impact of the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863? What battle did he announce this after?
The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Confederate states after the Battle of Antietam—it gave the war a moral cause.
What role did African American soldiers play in the Union Army during the Civil War?
African American soldiers fought bravely for the Union; faced discrimination but proved essential to the war effort.
Why was the Battle of Gettysburg considered a turning point in the Civil War?
Gettysburg was the South’s last major offensive—Union victory turned the tide of the war.
How did General William Tecumseh Sherman’s “March to the Sea” contribute to the Union war effort?
Sherman’s March to the Sea destroyed Southern infrastructure and morale—crippling the Confederate war effort.
How did the Civil War come to an end, and what were the terms of the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House?
The war ended at Appomattox Court House in April 1865; Confederate troops surrendered and were allowed to return home peacefully.
What was the Impact of the Lincoln Assassination on Reconstruction?
Lincoln’s assassination weakened Reconstruction efforts and led to stricter policies under Johnson and Congress.
