Unit VI Terms Flashcards
KKK/White Supremacy
Began in 1866, by veterans in Tennessee, evolved into a terror organisation. In 1867m violence against blacks became much more organised and purposeful. Sought to keep freedmen in subjugation, and frustrate Reconstruction.
Targets: African Americans, “Carpetbaggers”, and Freedmen’s Bureau workers.
Black Codes
Required freedmen to carry passes, observe a curfew, live in housing provided by a landowner and give up hope of entering many desirable occupations. Still vagrancy laws and restrictive labour contracts bound free people to plantations. (In response to 13th Amendment.)
Civil War: Northern Advantage
Considerably more industrialised than the South – rapidly modernising production. Far greater population (22 million vs. 9). Far greater military capacity. More diverse economy, extensive railroad network. Could resupply troops and recruit reinforcement.
Civil War: Southern Advantage
It could fight a defensive war, did not have to invade and conquer the North in order to declare victory. South had rich military tradition, had able generals, and many military men to recruit/draw from.
Battle of Antietam
1862, repelled a Confederate invasion – union victory, though not too much damage was inflicted by Union.
Battle of Gettysburg
1863, important turning point in the war. In Pennsylvania, high-water mark for Confederacy – after battle, Confederacy was in retreat.
Battle of Vicksberg
1863, important union victory. In Mississippi, afterwards, Union forced gained control of the Mississippi River, cutting the Confederacy in two.
Appomattox Court House
April 1865, where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant after the Battle of Appomattox.
Anaconda Plan
First part of the union’s 3 part plan: Navy would blockade Southern ports. Purported to prevent supplies from reaching the South and Southern products being shipped abroad. Part II was to divide Confederate territory by taking control of the Miss. River. PIII was to march on Confederate capital: Richmond, VA.
The Emancipation Proclamation
1862, after union victory of Antietam. Order the freeing of all slaves in revel held territory as of Jan. 1st 1863. Shifted focus of the war from preserving the union to emancipating slaves. Allowed for large scale African American enlistment, and made Confederate states isolated diplomatically.
Gettysburg Address
1863, major turning point. Lincoln’s address at military cemetery framed Civil War in larger context of fulfilling the democratic goals implicit in the founding of the US. “Conceived in liberty,” “all men are created equal.” ensured that there will be “a new birth of freedom.”
William Sherman
Implemented the “scorched earth” policies in conducting total war against the Confederacy.
Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address
1861, stated that the Union was indissolvable, thus secession was impossible. Written in spirit of reconciliation, promised that they wouldn’t be the first to attack, but any action/use of arms would be regarded as rebellion. Pledged to occupy all that belonged to gov. (all aimed at South).
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
1865, spoke of how both sides were in the wrong, with what they had imagined the outcome of the war would be. Reminded everyone of the unmistakable evil of slavery. Spoke of healing as a country.
Lincoln’s Assassination
April 1865, actor John booth entered his box and shot him dead.
Lincoln’s 10% Plan
Full pardon for the South if…
10% of the population of a state that seceded takes an oath of allegiance (based on 1860 census).
Emancipation for all slaves in those states.
Wade-Davis Bill
Condition for readmission:
Majority of the state that seceded must take an oath that they never supported the Confederacy.
(Was pocket-vetoed by Lincoln).
Presidential Reconstruction
White southerners were required to swear an oath of loyalty (those of high rank or importance in Confederacy had to ask directly for a pardon from Johnson). Then all could return as before.
13th Amendment
1865, declared slavery or enforced servitude illegal unless as punishment for a crime. (Therefore left a loophole, was taken advantage of by the South, rise in incarcerated African Americans).
14th Amendment
1868, Citizenship for all natural born citizens and full rights to all w/ that citizenship. Confederate leaders barred from serving in state or federal office (a penalty that could only be removed by Congress). Repealed the 3/5 Compromise – up to states to grant black suffrage. Confederate debt declared null and void, US war debt recognised. States must respect rights of citizens/legal progress must happen.
Response to KKK.
15th Amendment
1870, forbade states to deny the right to vote on account of race, colour or previous condition of servitude. Loopholes (like literacy tests) were taken advantage of.
Civil Rights Act of 1866
Counteracted the black codes, forced southern courts to practice equality under scrutiny of federal judiciary, applied to public acts of discrimination. Extension of the Freedmen’s Bureau for another year.
Freedmen’s Bureau
Supplied food, medical services, built several thousand school and some colleges, negotiated several hundred thousand employment contracts between freemen and former masters and managed confiscated land. Unprecedented engagement in federal aid to citizens. Social reform through military operation.
Reconstruction Acts
1867-68
Every southern state was required to ratify the 14th Amendment. Confederate leaders were barred from voting until new state constitutions were ratified. Union generals and give garrisons assumed control in five military sections in the South, supervised elections. Guaranteed freedmen the right to vote in elections, serve in state conventions and elections.
