American historyLesson 1 of 2 in the course The Civil War, 1860–1865

Civil War Opening Years: Mobilization, Resources, and Early Campaigns

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

In 1861, enthusiasm for war ran high in both the North and the South. The Union fought to restore the United States; President Abraham Lincoln declared that the Union could not be broken. The Confederacy, which consisted of eleven states by the summer of 1861, fought for independence from the United States. Slavery was central to the conflict, alongside disputes over abolitionism and western expansion.

All flashcards

Why did the Confederacy benefit from fighting a defensive war?
It could defend its own territory on familiar ground while Union armies had to invade and occupy the South.
How did the blockade weaken the Confederate economy?
It reduced cotton exports and made it harder to import manufactured goods.
Which resources gave the Union a material advantage?
Its larger population, greater industrial capacity, extensive rail network, and abundant food production.
What made McClellan’s approach to the Richmond campaign cautious?
He repeatedly overestimated Confederate strength and halted near Richmond rather than capturing it.
Why was control of the Mississippi River important to the Union?
It could split the Confederacy and deny it an important water route.

Quiz questions

  1. What strategic effect did the Union hope to achieve by controlling the Mississippi River?Answer: Split the Confederacy and control an important water route.
  2. What happened after McClellan moved about 100,000 soldiers toward Richmond?Answer: He halted near the city without capturing it.
  3. How did the Union avoid defeat at Shiloh?Answer: Reinforcements arrived, and Union forces counterattacked.
  4. What was the outcome of the Union naval campaign against New Orleans in 1862?Answer: Farragut’s fleet passed the forts, and the city soon fell to Union control.
  5. What followed the Battle of Antietam in September 1862?Answer: Lee withdrew first, but McClellan did not pursue him.

Based on U.S. History by P. Scott Corbett, Volker Janssen, John M. Lund, Todd Pfannestiel, Sylvie Waskiewicz, Paul Vickery (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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