Chapter 17 Section 2 War Affects Society By: Nathan Dysko Mrs. Enright 3rd Period 9-27-10

Disagreements About the War Some southerners in the western part of Virginia opposed slavery. They were made up of counties with few plantations or slaves They decided to do there own secession, from Virginia and formed West Virginia They joined the Union The North also had disagreements, with the Copperheads. They were a group of Northern Democrats that wanted to make peace with south. Lincoln had them arrested and suspended the writ of habeas corpus, which prevents government from holding citizens without formal charges.

Slaves Undermine the Confederacy Slaves during the Civil War tried to weaken the South. A lot more tried to flee, some worked slow or didn’t work at all, and when Union soldiers came to take land stayed behind and greeted them.

The Draft Laws As the war raged on people on both sides became less enthusiastic about the war. Both side started passing laws of conscription, or the draft. This required all men to serve. If you had over 20 slaves in the south you didn’t have to serve and you didn’t have to serve in North and South if you paid a substitute fee. The draft was extremely unpopular, in one cause in July, 1863 in NYC anger caused a riot were 1000 people died and soldiers had to come to stop it.

Economic and Social Change The war caused many changes in the North and South. In the North African-Americans were fighting and Women were working men jobs (factories and hospitals) There was also widespread poverty in Both the North and South, but worse for the south.

Economic Effects of the War Food shortages were becoming common in the South. Most farmers were unable to make crops. Transportation stopped, preventing food from reaching markets. Problem in South was inflation, prices on everyday prices soared. During the war the government established income tax. A new currency was also issued called greenbacks.

Women Aid in War Effort With millions of men away at war women took a more prominent role in society. They took over factory roles, and hospitals. Clara Barton a volunteer nurse during the war later founded the American Red Cross. Women also gathered supplies, washed clothes, and cooked. Women also tried to disguise themselves as men and fight in the war. Mostly some of them were spies.

War Transform Society The loss of millions of men caused a great change. Women became more active in jobs. African Americans gained rights as well. The south was hurt, small farms were in poverty, social resentment, inflation, and food shortages destroyed the south.