The Civil War Begins

War Erupts at Fort Sumter Southern states were taking control of the forts within their borders Fort Sumter was running low on supplies Confederate leaders attacked the fort before supplies arrived. This marked the beginning of the Civil War.

Choosing Sides Border states: slave states that bordered states where slavery was illegal 1863 – western counties of Virginia broke away from Virginia (a Confederate state) and formed West Virginia

Planning Strategies Confederacy Hoped foreign dependence on cotton would gain military aid from Great Britain and France Believed the North would weaken if fighting went on for a long time – the South would fight a defensive war Union Anaconda Plan: designed to strangle the South’s economy Naval blockade of South’s coastline Take control of Mississippi River Capture Richmond, VA (the Confederate capitol)

First Battle of Bull Run Union forces attacked Confederates near Bull Run Creek Many expected a quick battle & end to the war. Confederates were driven back but Thomas Jackson and his regiment stood strong. Confederate forces launched a counter-attack.

What did we learn from Bull Run? The war would be bloody (4700 casualties at Bull Run!) It would not be over quickly Southern soldiers would fight fiercely to defend the Confederacy

Joining the Cause

George McClellan Commanded Union army in EAST Restored soldiers’ confidence after Bull Run defeat Reluctant to attack Confederate capitol at Richmond; Lincoln grew impatient with him

General Ulysses S. Grant Union general in WEST Strategy: “Find out where your enemy is. Get him as soon as you can. Strike at him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.” Captured 2 river forts in Tennessee; opened up a river highway for the Union

Robert E. Lee Confederate General Renewed Confederate hopes of winning the war by ending Union threat in Virginia Reversed the previous Confederate strategy of fighting a defensive war He decides to use the Virginia plan that involves invading the North

Battle of Antietam September 17, 1862: McClellan (Union) stopped Lee (Confederate) as he was heading for the North Bloodiest day in American history (23,000 men dead or wounded) Neither side had gained any ground by nightfall Lee & his troops retreated to Virginia McClellan didn’t follow; Lincoln was frustrated at this and fired McClellan

Life in the Army

Hardships of War Confederate soldiers sometimes lacked shoes After battle soldiers often took coats, boots, and other clothing from the dead Food became scarce. Soldiers often couldn’t access supply trains and had to find food on their own.

Unhealthy Living Conditions Military camps were filthy, smelled from garbage and latrines Soldiers would go weeks without bathing or washing their clothes Soldiers, their bedding, & clothing became infested with fleas and lice. Primitive medical techniques & unhealthy conditions spread disease

Return of the grudge! Who was the General of the West and who was the General of the East for the Union Army? Give 2 reasons why the Battle at Fort Sumter is considered significant. (Worth up to 2 points) What is the name of the Union’s military strategy/plan? Up to 4 grudge points can be earned on todays quiz.