Introduction to the Civil War 1861-1865 The regimental colors of the 19th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment were damaged in battle during the American Civil War.

The Civil War Who was involved? #1 The Confederate States of America

The Civil War Who was involved? #2 The Union (Free States & Territories)

The Civil War Who was involved? #3 The Border States

The Civil War Why were the Border States so important? “I hope to have God on my side but I have to have Kentucky” -- Abraham Lincoln Why were the Border States so important? Important geographically Why were the Border States so unusual? Slave states that stayed with the Union

The Civil War How did they fight? Total War - organisation of all the resources (people and products) of a country towards the war effort The resources of enemy civilians are fair targets in total war (ex. Farms, food, etc)

Thinking Question: (Don’t write! Just think!) Are governments ever justified in targeting civilians (non-soldiers) in wartime?

Advantages and Disadvantages: North Population: 22 million 4 million men of combat age South Population: 9 million 1.2 million men of fighting age 3.5 million slaves North has the advantage in population

Advantages and Disadvantages: North Economy: 100,000 Factories 70,000 miles of Railroad $190,000 in bank deposits South Economy: 20,000 factories 9,000 miles of Railroad $50,000 in bank deposits North has the advantage in industrial power

Advantages and Disadvantages: North Armed Forces: mostly drafted soldiers with overly cautious officers More soldiers African Americans - 10% of Union forces Strong navy South Armed Forces: better trained soldiers & better leadership No real navy North has the advantage in # of soldiers, but South in the quality of soldiers & generals

Advantages and Disadvantages: North Government - Strong well- established government South Government - Weak government, most power given to states North has a stronger government, better able to direct resources (people & products) towards the war

Advantages and Disadvantages: North Motivation: Preserve the union Later - free the slaves South Motivation: Preserve way of life Who has the advantage in motivation? You decide.

Whose goals would be easier to reach? North Anaconda Plan 1. Blockade the South 2. Divide - Split the Confederacy by gianing control of the Mississippi River 3. Conquer - remaining parts South 1. Defend existing territory 2. Gain recognition of Confederacy as independent nation Whose goals would be easier to reach?

Leaders: Abraham Lincoln: “A House divided against itself cannot stand” -- A. Lincoln Little political experience (served 1 term in the House of Representatives) Strong reputation for honesty, temperance, jokes and storytelling

Who has the advantage in leadership? Jefferson Davis: “All we ask is to be left alone” -- J. Davies West Point graduate, Colonel in Mexican-American war, Secretary of war, & Senator from Miss. Not a popular president, especially with big fans of state’s rights Who has the advantage in leadership?

Northern Commanders George G. Meade Joseph Hooker George McClellan Irwin McDowell A. E. Burnside

Northern Commanders Ulysses S. Grant -- “When in doubt, fight” U.S. Grant Son of an Ohio tailor & drunken failure until the Civil War Reputation for boldness, resourcefulness, &persistance

Who has the advantage in Commanders? Southern Commander Robert E. Lee “It is a good thing war is so terrible; else we should grow too fond of it” -- R.E. Lee Brilliant southern gentleman from one of country’s oldest families Offered command of Union armies Family plantation occupied early in the war and turned into Arlington National Cemetary Who has the advantage in Commanders?

Thinking Questions: (Don’t write: Just think!) Is it more important to have strong generals or strong civilian leadership in a war?

So how did it begin? Fort Sumter: Where? Fort Sumter lies in the harbor of Charleston, S.C.

So how did it begin? Why? What? Fort Sumter: When Lincoln enters office, fort is running out of food What? Lincoln can either defend the fort and risk war or abandon it and look weak in the eyes of the South

So... So how did it begin? Fort Sumter: Lincoln sends unarmed vessel with food, giving the governor of S.C. plenty of warning S.C. attacks anyway and Lincoln asks for Northern volunteers This attack on the Union probably helps him keep many of the border states