Civil War Study Guide Mrs. Williamson 8 th Grade American History

Jefferson Davis- President of the C.S.A. Davis had a political (served under President Pierce) and military background (West Point, Mexican War) Abraham Lincoln- 16 th President of the U.S.A, served during the Civil War and unlike Davis, had no political/military background, but rather was the republican “neutral” candidate for the election of Robert E. Lee- Virginian man and commander of the Confederate Army. Although he opposed succession and disliked slavery, he did not want to disregard his homeland. Arlington, VA is birth place….it later became a cemetery site for Union soldiers…WHY?

► War Aims and Strategies:  After the attack on Fort Sumter, the north was worried about the status of the border states (Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, and Delaware). The hope was to keep these slave holding states in the Union.  The Confederacy’s aim was to win recognition as an independent nation. They had a primarily defensive strategy, but did move their army to some northern cities.  The Union’s plan for winning the war was based on three major goals ► 1. Blockade southern ports to stop supplies ► 2. Gain control of the Mississippi to split the C.S.A. ► 3. Capture Richmond, VA

Emancipation Proclamation- Lincoln’s formal declaration to set slaves free; it stated that beginning on Jan., 1863, slaves in rebelling states were free; This changed the cause of the war and increased England’s support for the Union 54 th Massachusetts Regiment- An African American regiment which attacked Ft. Wagner in 1863 and became engaged in hand to hand combat. Almost ½ killed but they gained recognition and respect

Clara Barton- Civil War Nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Also, Barton kept detailed records of wounded soldiers. She began her work at the battle of Antietam. Dorthea Dix- Typically known for helping the mentally ill, enforcing sanitary conditions, and reforming prisons, Dix became the Superintendent of Nurses for the Union Army. In addition, she organized many women to serve as military nurses. Sally Louisa Tompkins- Southern woman who opened a hospital for the south in Richmond Virginia. Her hospital’s survival rate was at 94%!

Habeas Corpus- The right to have a hearing before being jailed- This right was suspended by Lincoln after protests in cities occurred as people began interfering with the war effort Draft Law- Passed by Congress which required all “able bodied” men btw 20 and 35 to serve in the military if they were called for duty or made them pay $300 to be excused. Inflation- rise in prices caused by an increase in the amount of $ in circulation. For example, because the Union did not have enough $ for war, more than $400 million greenbacks were printed. The more money that was printed, the decrease in value of each dollar