APUSH APUSH Period 5 1844 1877 The Civil War Military Strategy Emancipation Proclamation Gettysburg Shermans March

Why This Matters

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a pivotal event in U.S. history that tested the nation's unity, challenged the institution of slavery, and reshaped the country's politics and society. As a manifestation of the long-standing conflict between the North and South over states' rights and economic interests, the Civil War exemplifies the AP theme of Politics and Power. The war's outcome, which led to the abolition of slavery and a more centralized federal government, had far-reaching consequences for American identity, social mobility, and global influence.

Key Events & People

• The Battle of Fort Sumter (April 12-13, 1861): The first battle of the Civil War, fought between Union and Confederate forces in South Carolina, marked the beginning of the conflict.
• Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865): The 16th U.S. President, who issued the Emancipation Proclamation and delivered the Gettysburg Address, played a crucial role in shaping the war's purpose and outcome.
• Robert E. Lee (1807-1870): A skilled Confederate general, Lee's leadership and strategic decisions influenced the war's early years and ultimately led to his surrender at Appomattox.
• Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885): A Union general, Grant's victories at Vicksburg and Chattanooga helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the North.
• Sherman's March (1864-1865): Led by General William Tecumseh Sherman, this campaign of destruction through the Confederacy's heartland aimed to break the South's will to fight.
• The Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863): Issued by Lincoln, this executive order declared all slaves in Confederate territory to be free, paving the way for the eventual abolition of slavery.
• The Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863): Delivered by Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this speech redefined the war's purpose and honored the fallen Union soldiers.
• The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863): A turning point in the war, this battle saw Union forces repel the Confederate invasion of the North and marked a decisive shift in momentum.
• The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18-July 4, 1863): A Union victory that gave the North control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The disagreement over slavery and states' rights between the North and South led to the secession of 11 Southern states and the formation of the Confederacy.
• Effect: The Civil War began, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians.
• Long-term consequence: The war's outcome led to the abolition of slavery and a more centralized federal government, reshaping American politics and society.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Reconstruction*: The period (1865-1877) following the Civil War during which the South was occupied by federal troops and attempted to rebuild its economy and society.
• *Emancipation*: The act of freeing slaves, as declared by the Emancipation Proclamation and later codified in the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
• *Total War*: A military strategy that aims to destroy an enemy's ability to wage war, as employed by Union forces during the Civil War.
• *Blockade*: A naval strategy used by the Union to restrict the Confederacy's access to trade and resources, crippling its economy.
• *Appomattox*: The site of General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, marking the effective end of the Civil War.
• *Reconstruction Amendments*: The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, passed during the Reconstruction era to establish citizenship and voting rights for African Americans.
• *War of Attrition*: A military strategy that aims to wear down an enemy through prolonged fighting, as employed by the Confederacy during the Civil War.
• *Battle Fatigue*: The physical and mental exhaustion experienced by soldiers during prolonged combat, as seen in the Civil War.
• *Secession*: The act of a state or territory withdrawing from a larger entity, such as the United States, as seen in the secession of 11 Southern states during the Civil War.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves in the United States, not just those in Confederate territory.
• Correction: The Emancipation Proclamation only applied to areas outside of Union control, freeing approximately 3.5 million slaves.
• What students often get wrong: The Battle of Gettysburg was a decisive Union victory that ended the war.
• Correction: The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the war, but the conflict continued for another two years.
• What students often get wrong: The Reconstruction Amendments were passed immediately after the Civil War.
• Correction: The Reconstruction Amendments were passed between 1865 and 1870, during the Reconstruction era.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Emancipation Proclamation in shaping the purpose and outcome of the Civil War. Be sure to include specific evidence from the following documents:
  • The Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863)
  • Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (March 4, 1865)
  • The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (January 31, 1865)
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg in the context of the Civil War. Be sure to include specific evidence from the following documents:
  • The Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863)
  • The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (various dates)
  • The memoirs of General George Meade (various dates)

Quick Self‑Check

1. What was the primary purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation?
   • Correct answer: To declare all slaves in Confederate territory to be free.
   • Explanation: The Emancipation Proclamation aimed to weaken the Confederacy by freeing slaves in areas outside of Union control.
2. Which battle marked a turning point in the Civil War?
   • Correct answer: The Battle of Gettysburg.
   • Explanation: The Battle of Gettysburg saw Union forces repel the Confederate invasion of the North, marking a decisive shift in momentum.
3. Who led the Union forces during the Siege of Vicksburg?
   • Correct answer: General Ulysses S. Grant.
   • Explanation: Grant's victory at Vicksburg gave the North control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two.

Last‑Minute Cram Sheet

• ⚠️ The Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865.
• ⚠️ The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863.
• ⚠️ The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863.
• ⚠️ The Siege of Vicksburg lasted from May 18 to July 4, 1863.
• ⚠️ The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on January 31, 1865.
• ⚠️ The Reconstruction Amendments were passed between 1865 and 1870.
• ⚠️ The Civil War resulted in the deaths of an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers and civilians.
• ⚠️ The war led to the abolition of slavery and a more centralized federal government.