Presentation Transcript

1. The Conflict takes shape

   Chapter 17, Lesson 1
2. A Nation divided The South The North Fighting to save the Union. Abolishing slavery was not an official goal of the North. Northerners had feelings of racism- the belief that one race is by nature superior to the other. Believed they had the right to leave the Union. They called the conflict The War for Southern Independence. Wanted to keep their traditional way of life (including slavery).
3. Border States April of 1861, eight slave states were still in the Union. They had to decide which side they should take. Their decision would greatly impact the outcome of the war because they had more than half the South’s population, factories, and food crops. Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas quickly joined the confederacy. Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland and Delaware were border states and chose to stay in the Union. Border States: slave state that stayed in the Union during the Civil War.
4. Martial Law In April 1861, President Lincoln declared martial law when Confederate mobs attacked Union troops in Baltimore, Maryland. Martial Law: rule by the army instead of the elected government. This was done because some citizens in the border states supported the South.
5. The South Weaknesses Strengths Battles were fought in the South, and they knew their grounds. Knew how to use their weapons. Few factories to produce weapons & vital supplies. Few railroads to move troops & supplies. Political problems- found it difficult to get things done. Small population (9 million).
6. The North Weaknesses Strengths Almost 4 times as many free citizens as the South- more volunteers & people to produce food & work in factories. Factories to make guns, bullets, cannons, boots, uniforms and other supplies. More than 70% of the nation’s rail lines. Strong navy & large fleet of trading ships. They were invading unfamiliar land. Lines of supply were longer due to battles being in the South.
7. Jefferson Davis President of the Confederacy Weaknesses Strengths People believed he was a stronger leader than Lincoln. He had great experience for the position. Widely respected for his honesty and courage. He did not want the position of President of the Confederacy. Did not like to turn over to others the details of military planning. Spent much time worrying about small matters & arguing with his advisors.
8. Abraham LincolnPresident of the Union Weaknesses Strengths Was patient and strong leader who was a fine war planner. Gained respect daily. Had a good sense of humor. Accepted criticism with a smile. Did not have much experience in national politics or military matters.
9. Robert E. Lee Lincoln asked Robert E. Lee of Virginia to lead the Union army. Lee declined and seceded. Lee then became the commander of the Confederate Army. Many of the army’s best officers served in the Confederacy, making it difficult for Lincoln to find generals to match those of the South.