Civil War represents a decisive period in American history, but also one of violence, during which more than 620,000 Americans died. (Gary B. Nash, Carter Smith, page 144) The American Civil War was fought between North and the South, and started as a result of their differences regarding slavery, state's rights and federal authority. The decisive moment was when Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln won the election, and become the president of the United States. This victory influenced seven states to leave the union; on December 20, 1860 South Carolina, and, after the war started six more states left the union (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi)
While the North's economy was based on manufacturing and industry, agriculture being an isolated activity, in the South it was based on agriculture and slavery. The main crops that were planted in the South were cotton and tobacco. After 1830 the North wanted to free slaves, but the South was against this, as they were their main means of sustenance. In 1854 senator Stephen Douglas made a proposal concerning the new territories which were not considered states yet. "To gain southern support for the measure, Douglas insisted that the settlers decide their status as slave or free." (Gary B. Nash, Carter Smith, page 138) The North formed a new political entity, the and thus lead to the fall of the South's economy. The election of Abraham Lincoln constituted the key event leading to the Civil War.
Soon after the elections, the state of South Carolina decided to leave the Union. "The decision sparked a state-wide celebration. Soon the state demanded that federal troops be withdrawn from Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor, an ultimatum which would lead to the bombardment of the fort and the first shots of the Civil War." (Gary B. Nash, Carter Smith, page 141) In January five more states left the union and in February Texas joined them. At the beginning of 1861 secessionists started to conquer the northern forts located in the South.
"On February 4, 1861, delegates from these states met in Montgomery, Alabama to create a new nation, the Confederate States of America. Within five days, they had adopted a provisional constitution and elected a provisional president, former U.S. Senator, and Pierce administration Secretary of War Jefferson Davis." (Gary B. Nash, Carter Smith, page 142) The new president requested all federal troops to retreat from the Confederate states. President Lincoln refused President Davis' request, and as a result the conflict became more serious. The Confederacy had a much stronger and well prepared army than the northerners. In addition to that Southerners were more determined to win the war, as they wanted to keep the slavery legal.
The Civil War was mostly fought as three wars. The first took place East of the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia. "Here, the Union objective was to capture the rebel capital, Richmond." (Gary B. Nash, Carter Smith, page 149) The Confederates successfully defeated the federal army at Bull Run, and obliged them to draw back…
So the professional opportunities for young Robert were limited, and the army came as a rescue solution. Pegging to his life of severe lacks, difficulties and sadness, Lee became a man of strict self imposed limits. He was moderate and never wasteful of either type of resource. Due to his rather stern appearance, he was not the most popular of army men. But he did always serve his country and
A stronger Navy allowed the North to enforce the blockade more effectively than the Confederacy could overcome it. The second significant part of the Anaconda Plan was similar in scope and strategic significance: to take control of the Mississippi. When the Union Army eventually did gain control of the mighty Mississippi, the South was effectively split in two. The Anaconda Plan was fulfilled. Not only did the Union have
American History The American Civil War (1861-1865) The American Civil War was the war between the southern and northern regions of the country, wherein the main conflict that was contested were the continued practice and legalization of black slavery. As the war broke out, the two factions that were created for the war were the United States of America or Union and the Confederate States of America or the Confederacy. The war had
Civil War of Northern Aggression Is the Term Accurate? The Civil war has been one of the most controversial topics in the history of United States. Where it has been given many names like War Between the States, the War of the Rebellion and the War for Southern Independence, one of its most controversial names is the War of Northern Aggression. There is an enormous amount of literature written on the subject
Civil War Would the union still have won the civil war if the Border States separated? The union would have still won if the Border States separated. During the Civil War the Border States, Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, were not critical to the unions victory over the confederates. Unfortunately, our modern society has been marred with war and strife over its eventful lifespan. A civil disagreement, when accompanied by mass offenses, often
Civil War In a long war, all of the economic, financial and population advantages would favor the North since the South was a mostly agrarian region that imported its manufactured goods. Initially, both sides had expected that the war would be short and decisive, although by 1862 it was clear that it might drag on indefinitely. Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and the other Southern leaders realized that their best chance
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