Chapter 21 The Civil War

21.3 Bull Run: A Great Awakening Why were many Northerners surprised at the outcome of the Battle of Bull Run? Northerners expected a quick victory and an early end to the war. Instead, the Confederates defeated the Union troops and drove them back to Washington. How did women participate in the Civil War? Women ran farms and business, worked in factories, and became teachers and government workers. They also served in the military as nurses, messengers, guides, scouts, smugglers, soldiers, and spies.

21.4 Antietam: A Bloody Affair What was important about the Battle of Antietam? Robert E. Lee hoped that a victory at Antietam would convince Maryland to join the Confederacy and encourage European nations to support the South. His defeat at Antietam prevented him from accomplishing these activities. What hardships did Civil War soldiers face in combat? Death tolls were staggeringly high. Rifles, cannons, and artillery made it easy to kill from a distance. Inadequate medical attention meant soldiers frequently died from their wounds. Diseases also spread throughout the camps, killing huge numbers of soldiers.

21.5 Gettysburg: A Turning Point Why was the Battle of Gettysburg considered a turning point in the Civil War? Lee, who hoped a victory in this northern city would convince the Union to ask for peace, lost one third of his army during the battle. Afterward, he withdrew to Virginia and conducted only a defensive war on southern soil. What problems developed on the Union home front during the war? On the home front, “Copperheads” opposed the war, believing peace was more important than preserving the Union. Other opponents were sympathetic to the Confederate cause. The draft forced men to fight in the war, and riots broke out as some of them protested.

21.6 Vicksburg: A Besieged City Why was the Union victory at Vicksburg important? The Union victory at Vicksburg meant that the Union controlled traffic on the Mississippi River, and that the South was divided. What problems developed on the Confederate home front during the war? Bombing raids forced people to seek protection in hillside caves. Because of the blockade, imported goods disappeared from stores. Invading Union forces cut railroad lines, and destroyed crops. Clothing wore out and had to be patched and repaired rather than being replaced.

21.7 Fort Wagner: African Americans Join the War What was important about the actions of the Massachusetts 54th at Fort Wagner? Although the Massachusetts 54th was forced to stop their attack on Fort Wagner after losing almost half their men, the bravery of these African American soldiers won the respect of other Union soldiers. How did African Americans contribute to the Union war effort? African American regiments fought nearly 500 battles. Although poorly trained, equipped, and paid, they fought with great courage.

21.8 Appomattox: Total War Brings an End What is meant by “total war”? What did the Union army do during their campaign of total war? “Total war” means war on the enemy’s will to fight and ability to support an army. Union soldiers destroyed rail lines and everything of value. Houses were robbed, crops burned, and livestock killed. What terms did Grant offer Lee when he surrendered at Appotomattox Courthouse? Confederate troops could go home if they promised to stop fighting. They were allowed to keep their horses and mules, which would be needed for spring planting. Officers could keep their swords and weapons. Grant ordered that food be sent to Lee’s army.