Unit 7 Study Guide

What were carpetbaggers?

Corrupt northerners who moved South to gain economic and political influence.

Why did President Lincoln struggle with Border States during the Civil War?

Lincoln's treatment of Maryland was seen by many as unconstitutional. Lincoln used federal troops to stabilize Kentucky and Missouri since many citizens there wanted to secede.

Why did northern morale to fight the war frequently decline?

Many northerns opposed the war, especially as it dragged on.

Describe the Radical Republican plan for Reconstruction.

Military Reconstruction. 1. Southern states had to ratify the 14th Amendment. 2. Southern states had to allow freedmen suffrage. 3. The South was divided into five military controlled districts to enforce these new rules.

Define sharecropping and tenant farming.

Sharecropping: blacks farmed land, then shared a high percentage of the crops with the landowners. Tenant Farming: blacks farmed land, then shared a high percentage of the profits with the landowners.

Why was Sherman's March to the Sea significant?

Sherman's defeat of Atlanta boosted northern morale again since an end to the war was in sight. Sherman's path of destruction further divided the Confederacy. "Total War" destroyed the southerners' homeland, breaking the Confederate will to keep fighting.

Why was the Siege of Vicksburg significant?

The Mississippi River was now controlled by the Union (part of the Anaconda Plan) and the Confederacy was split in half. The Siege of Vicksburg was the turning point in the West.

In what ways was the "New South" different from the pre-Civil War South?

The South began to industrialize and build railroads. Black churches, schools, and social organizations grew. Southern whites exploited "loopholes" in the Civil War amendments to oppress blacks.

Describe the Southern/Confederate strategy to win the Civil War.

The South used a defensive strategy, like the United States used against Britain in the Revolutionary War. The South did not have to conquer the North. The South only had to outlast the North until the North got tired of fighting.

How did the Panic of 1873 impact the country and the Republican Party?

The US entered an economic depression during Grant's presidency. Many people went bankrupt, losing farms and businesses. Low wages for workers led to violent, nationwide strikes. The public blamed Republicans.

What was the status of southern blacks after Reconstruction ended?

1. Blacks lost the rights given by the Civil War amendments. 2. Since they were no longer "property" of a value to whites, lynching became widespread.

Describe the law passed by Congress during the Civil War that benefitted the West.

1. Homestead Act - established sale of cheap land in the West (160 acres for $10). 2. Morrill Land Grant Act - helped create agricultural and technical colleges to teach skills needed in the West. 3. Pacific Railway Act - authorized building a northern transcontinental railroad.

Describe war atrocities that occurred during the Civil War.

1. Massacre at Fort Pillow: Confederate troops captured a Union fort containing black soldiers. Many Confederates viewed black Union soldiers as stolen property. Confederates executed over 300 captured black soldiers instead of treating them as prisoners of war. 2. Andersonville Prison: Andersonville was a Confederate war prison holding 45, 000 Union prisoners. The prison was overfilled and poorly supplied with food and water. Over 13,000 prisoners died of starvation and disease.

Describe the Southern/Confederate advantages during the Civil War.

1. Military Leaders - more military colleges and better, smarter generals. 2. Stronger Morale - southerners felt they were fighting for their rights and homeland. 3. Defensive Fight - the south fought defensively, mostly with "home field advantage" (easier to win).

Describe the Northern/Union disadvantages during the Civil War.

1. Military Leaders: overall, Union generals were not as strong. 2. Weaker Morale: many northerners did not strongly support the war of think it worth fighting. 3. Politics: support for Lincoln weakened over time, and he was in danger of losing reelection. 4. Offensive War: the North had to conquer the South, a huge area of land.

What precedent was set by the fact that Andrew Johnson was voted "not guilty" at his impeachment trial?

Congress could not impeach the president just for political reasons.

Why was George McClellan significant?

He was brilliant at building an army, but too cautious in battle.

Why was Thomas Jackson significant?

He was known as "Stonewall" Jackson, and also known for his bravery.

Why was William T. Sherman significant?

He was ruthless, introduced "total war."

Why was Robert E. Lee significant?

He was the best general for either side. Lee was against secession, but loyal to his home state (Virginia).

Why was Ulysses S. Grant significant?

He won many battles, but sacrificed many men.

How did the idea of "separate by equal" fail to live up to reality?

In reality, southern laws did keep races separate, but did not treat them equally. Blacks were second - class citizens with unequal treatment in the South.

Why is the 13th Amendment significant?

It abolished slavery nationwide.

Why is the 14th Amendment significant?

It established black citizenship and equality (equal protection under the law).

Why is the 15th Amendment significant?

It established black suffrage.

What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?

It was a federal agency set up to help freedmen adjust to freedom in the South. It provided food, shelter, medicine, jobs, and education for freedmen.

What was the impact of Lincoln's assassination, and what was the assassin?

John Wilkes Booth killed Abraham Lincoln during a play at Ford's Theatre. Lincoln became a martyr and his leadership through reconstruction was lost.

What were "black codes?"

Laws that restricted freemen's rights (no suffrage, guns, serving on a jury, etc).

What are Jim Crow laws?

Laws that segregated whites and blacks.

Why was the Battle of Gettysburg significant?

Lee's invasion of the North was permanently stopped. Lee's army was permanently weakened. The Battle of Gettysburg was the turning point in the East. Together, Confederate losses at Vicksburg and Gettysburg turned momentum of the war permanently in the Union's favor.

Why/What was the Election of 1864 significant?

Lincoln could finish the war with a Confederate surrender. Lincoln saw his reelection as a mandate to end slavery everywhere. Lincoln began pushing for a 13th Amendment to abolish slavery.

What was the role of women during the Civil War?

Women maintained businesses, farms, and factories while the men fought as soldiers. Thousands cared for the wounded as battlefield nurses. Clara Barton - served as a nurse and later founded the American Red Cross.

Describe the Northern/Union advantages during the Civil War.

1. Military: the North had much stronger army and navy. 2. Government: a strong federal government could fund and organize the military. 3. Economy: the North was wealthier and could afford the war. 4. Population: the North had over twice the Souths population. 5. Factories: the North had the most factories, which produced war materials (guns, bullets, etc). 6. Infrastructure: more roads/railroads enabled better movement of troops and supplies.

Describe the Southern/Confederate disadvantages during the Civil War.

1. Military: the South's military was small and unusually outnumbered in battle. 2. Government: a weak federal government struggled to find and organize the military. 3. Economy: the South was not wealthy and suffered when the North's navy cut off trade. 4. Population: much smaller, and almost half were slaves. 5. Factories: with few factories the South struggled to produce war materials. 6. Infrastructure: fewer roads/railroads, hurt movement of troops and supplies. 7. Slaves: it was hard to control slaves and fight the war at the same time.

What were the major points of the Gettysburg Address?

1. The "founding fathers" founded the nation with the idea that "all men are created equal." 2. The war must be won to ensure that equality and freedom is given to all, including slaves. 3. The war must be won to honor the soldiers who had died.

Describe Abraham Lincoln's plan for Reconstruction.

10% Plan: Only 10% of a state population had to pledge allegiance to the Union. All Confederates except for leaders received amnesty (were pardoned).

Describe Andrew Johnson's plan for Reconstruction.

10% Plus: Only 10% of a state population had to pledge allegiance. Amnesty for Confederates; Confederate leaders had to apply for pardons. Southern states had to ratify the 13th Amendment.

What was the Credit Moblier Scandal?

A railroad company intentionally overcharged the government to build railroads.

How did the Civil War impact slavery?

Abolition started in the South with the Emancipation Proclamation. The 13th Amendment would soon abolish slavery everywhere. The 14th and 15th Amendment would establish the rights of free blacks.

Why was the Battle of Antietam significant in terms of Northern morale?

After Antietam, Lincoln needed to boost northern morale or lose support for the war, he came up with the Emancipation Proclamation to boost morale.

What was the role of blacks during the Civil War?

Almost 200,000 blacks served in the Union military, many of them ex - slaves. They were segregated into all black units and experienced discrimination. 54th Massachusetts - this black regiment (and others) fought bravely and successfully, helping earn respect from whites.

Describe the Northern/Union strategy to win the Civil War. What was it called?

Anaconda Plan - this would "choke" the South by cutting off trade and resources. Part 1: Blockade the southern coast. This would cut the South off from supplies from foreign countries. Part 2: Capture the Mississippi River. This would cut off trade between southern states and divide the Confederacy in half.

Why was the Battle of Antietam significant in terms of British involvement?

Antietam made the Confederacy look weak, so England started withdrawing support.

Why was the Battle of Antietam significant in terms of Slavery?

Because from this battle came the Emancipation Proclamation. This announced all slaves in rebelling states to be free (not border states).

How did the southern governments "undo" the 14th Amendment?

Blacks had to use separate restrooms, water fountains, schools, train cars, etc. Southern whites claimed to keep races "separate but equal."

How did the southern governments "undo" the 13th Amendment?

Blacks were landless, so they had to work the land of wealthier whites. Blacks had little money, from sharecropping and tenant farming, that they could not afford land of their own. Blacks had no choice, but to work in these conditions.

What was the role of Britain during the Civil War?

Britain depended on southern cotton. Britain was considering joining the Confederacy against the Union. British manufacturers were giving the Confederacy warships. Lincoln felt the Union could not win if England got involved.

What was the foreign impact of the Emancipation Proclamation?

Britain had already abolished slavery. With the Union's purpose including abolition, Britain decided not to help the Confederacy. This severely hurt the Souths chances for success.

How did the Civil War impact westward expansion?

Federal policies promoted Westward expansion (Manifest Destiny) after the Civil War. Americans poured Westward, leading to increased conflict with Native Americans.

How did the Civil War impact the growth of industry?

Federal policies supported the industrial and business growth after the Civil War. Post Civil War America saw another industrial revolution and the rise of big business.

Describe the law passed by Congress during the Civil War that benefitted the North.

Morrill Tariff Act - high protective tariff that funded the Union military and protected northern businesses from foreign competition.

Why was the Battle of Bull Run significant?

New weapons showed the war would deadlier than expected. The Confederate army was stronger than expected. The surprise Confederate victory showed the war would be longer than expected .

Was Reconstruction successful?

No, life for southern blacks was in many ways worse than it has been during slavery.

What was the purpose of the Civil War for the North/Union? What was the purpose of the Civil War for the South/Confederacy?

North: To preserve the Union of States. South: To secede from the Union of States.

Who were the "copperheads?"

Northern anti-war Democrats.

What was the domestic impact of the Emancipation Proclamation?

Northern support for the war briefly rose since it had a moral cause. Eventually, emancipated slaves joined the Union army. The South's economy suffered because they were losing slaves, which they depended on.

Define poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses.

Poll taxes - a tax was charged for voting. Literacy tests - citizens had to prove they were literate before voting. Grandfather clauses - citizens had to have a grandfather who voted before Reconstruction.

How did political scandals impact President Grant and the Republican Party?

Public trust in Republicans declined.

Describe the relationship between Andrew Johnson and the Radical Republicans in Congress.

Radical Republicans were furious over southerners in Congress passing black codes. When they returned, the Radical Republicans kicked the southerners out of Congress. The Radical Republicans fought Johnson for power.

What was the purpose of Andrew Johnson's impeachment?

Radicals conspired to get Johnson "out of the way." Congress intentionally passed a law that they threw Johnson would break so they could impeach him. The House of Representatives impeached Johnson for breaking the law. The Senate found him not guilty by vote.

Describe the terms of the Compromise of 1877 and explain how it impacted Reconstruction.

Republicans Got: Rutherford B Hayes became president. Democrats Got: President Hayes removed the military from the South. Impact: Reconstruction could not be enforced without federal troops. Reconstruction ended in the South. With the South "redeemed," whites began eliminating black rights.

Who were the Radical Republicans, and who led them?

Republicans in Congress who wanted to revolutionize the South, not reconcile with it. Thaddeus Stevans led the Radical Republicans.

What was the impact of new technology on the Civil War?

Soldiers used old battle tactics (like fighting in formation) despite new, deadlier weapons. New weapons and poor medicine made the war much bloodier than previous wars.

Describe life for soldiers during the Civil War.

Soldiers were low on supplies and half the time had to sleep without blankets or walk without shoes. Food was scarce and they had to eat "hardtack." Diseases killed many soldiers, many diseases came from unsanitary water. Medicine was not advanced and many got infections from unsterilized equipment. Diseases included: dysentery, smallpox, pneumonia, typhoid, and gangrene. After the war many soldiers suffered from PTSD, and hardening which was like turning off their emotions.

How did southern governments "undo" the 15th Amendment?

Southern laws restricted suffrage without technically mentioning race.

What were scalawags, and why were freedmen sometimes scalawags?

Southerners who helped carpetbaggers. Inexperiences freedmen politicians were often Scalawags because carpetbaggers manipulated them.

What were the major issues faced during the Reconstruction?

Status of ex - slaves and ex - confederates. The southern economy, and what terms to demand from the South.

How did the Civil War impact the southern economy and culture?

The Anaconda Plan, "Total War," and abolition of slavery devastated the southern economy and culture.

Why was the Empancipation Proclamation significant?

The Unions' purpose of the war was not just to preserve the Union anymore, but to also end slavery. This set the precedent for the future 13th amendment, which abolished slavery everywhere.

How did the Civil War impact the Northern/Union economy?

The northern economy boomed. Factory production was high to supply war materials. Women often worked in factories while men fought the war.

How did the Civil War impact the Southern/Confederate economy?

The southern economy suffered. The Anaconda Plan and loss of railroads made trade difficult and led to shortages inflation. Riots for food broke out and some soldiers left the war to care for their families. The Confederate government was too weak to help.

How did the Civil War impact the relationship between the federal government and the states?

The war established the federal government as supreme over states. Nullification and secession was no longer issues since the war forcibly stopped them.

How did the Civil War impact the Union of the States?

The war prevented the South from seceding and it reunited the states.

What actions did the Ku Klux Klan take?

They attacked as a terrorist groups by attacking blacks and Republicans.

What was the purpose of the Ku Klux Klan?

They formed to resist Reconstruction and restore the "old South."

What were the causes of the New York City draft riots?

This riot was the largest civilian insurrection in American history. Irish immigrants fought because they were angry at the thought of being drafted. They also killed blacks because they were scared the blacks would take their jobs.

What was Reconstruction?

Time period in which the federal government readmitted and rebuilt the South.

What was the Whiskey Ring Scandal?

When government officials close to Grant stole millions of alcohol tax dollars.

Why is the Plessy v. Ferguson case significant?

When the Supreme Court ruled that races could be segregated as long as they were treated equally.

Why/What was the Battle of Appomattox Court House significant?

With Lee's surrender, the war was over. The Union won and the United States was preserved. Grant's terms of surrender showed the Union's desire to reconcile with the South quickly.