The Civil War (Battles, Politics, and Civilian Life) (Ch. 4, S 2-3)

What were the strengths of each side & what were the political issues?

• North had more people, more factories, better food supply, and extensive railroad system

• South had cotton, better generals, and highly motivated soldiers

• South hoped for foreign recognition (British support) / Lincoln only wanted to preserve the Union, not abolish slavery

• Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in South (no authority to abolish slavery)

South hoped cotton trade would make Britain come to their aid.

How did the war effect the lives of civilians and soldiers?

• Each side imposed conscription (draft)• African-Americans soldiers fought for the Union

despite discrimination• Conditions in camps and prisons were

unhealthy and unsanitary • South suffered food shortages and inflation,

while North’s economy expanded • North used “total war” policy to destroy the

South’s will to fight (burned homes & farms)

After defeating the Confederates in Atlanta, Sherman torched the city.

Damage caused by a wound from a minnie ball.

What were the decisive battles and what were the consequences?

• Gettysburg was most decisive battle of Civil War (Lee was defeated/gave up plan to invade North)

• Union victory at Vicksburg (a Confederate stronghold) crushed all Confederate hope

• Economy of the North prospered during war, South’s economy was devastated

• Civil War led to increased power of the federal government (taxes & conscription)

• 13th Amendment freed slaves/14th gave them citizenship/15th the right to vote