1. THE CIVIL WAR
-Grade 7
Chapter 15

2. Section 1 – The Call to Arms
What was the immediate result of the surrender at Fort Sumter?
Create a table listing the southern military advantages and the North’s advantages.
Why would the greater number of factories and factory workers be an advantage to the North? What disadvantages might the North have had in invading the South?
Why was it important to the North to take Richmond?
Explain what the word “civil” means. Why was this war called a civil war?
Why did citizens ride out to see the armies meet at Manassas? How did the inexperience of both armies show during battle?
Why were the poor conditions in prisons and camps a disadvantage to both sides?

3. Section 2 – Early Years of the War
Explain the difference between an offensive strategy and a defensive strategy.
How did the new rifles and cannons force military leaders to change their tactics?
Why did Lee want to invade the North?
How did Grant change the direction of the Union army? Why was Grant more effective than McClellan?
Why was control of the railroad junction in Corinth and the eventual control of the Mississippi River important to the Union army?

4. Section 3 – The Emancipation Proclamation
How did Lincoln think ending slavery would weaken the South?
How did the focus of the war change? How did the Proclamation affect Britain’s view?
Why was a war about freedom more appealing to African Americans than a war to hold the country together?
In what ways did African Americans help to weaken the South’s war effort?

5. Section 4 – The Civil War and American Life
What do you know about the meaning of the word “draft?”
What caused supporters of states’ rights to oppose the war?
Define the term habeas corpus. Why did both Davis and Lincoln feel they had to suspend the right of habeas corpus?
Why did many men desert on a temporary basis?
Why might factory workers and laborers riot?
How did the shortages of goods cause people to behave?
What effect did the war have on women?

6. Section 5 –Decisive Battles
How did the problems of leadership in the Union army lead Lee to initiate an attack on Union soil?
How did Grant overcome Vicksburg?
How did Lincoln take advantage of the Gettysburg victory?
What advantage did Grant have over Lee?
Why was Sherman’s capture of Atlanta a boost for Lincoln?
Explain the policy of “total warfare.” Do you think this strategy was effective?
Describe the behavior of Lee and Grant at Appomattox. How can you tell that both men were aware of the toll of the war?
In the late 1860’s what did Memorial Day represent? What does it represent now?