American Pageant Chapter 20-21 APUSH Review

Summary

This video reviews the Civil War, focusing on key events and strategies from the lead-up to the war, including the secession of Southern states, the attack on Fort Sumter, and the significance of the border states. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages for both the Union and the Confederacy, as well as the political and military challenges faced by both sides. The video covers the evolution of the war, the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation, African-American contributions, and key legislative acts. Ultimately, the Civil War is portrayed as a test for American democracy, with lasting impacts on the nation and the abolition of slavery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Civil War started after seven Southern states seceded following Lincoln's election in 1860, due to his anti-slavery platform.
• 🔥 Lincoln pledged not to interfere with slavery where it existed but opposed the right of Southern states to secede.
• 💥 The Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter in April 1861, marking the official start of the Civil War.
• 🌍 The Union aimed to preserve the nation, while the Confederacy fought for their independence and Southern way of life.
• ⚖️ Lincoln's priority was to keep the border states (like Missouri and Kentucky) in the Union, as they were crucial to the war effort.
• 🚂 The North had advantages in industrial resources, transportation, and a larger population, while the South had experienced military leadership.
• 💣 Both the Union and Confederacy implemented drafts during the war, with controversial systems that sparked riots, such as the 1863 New York City draft riots.
• 🗣️ Initially, Lincoln was not fighting to end slavery, but pressure from Radical Republicans pushed him toward emancipation.
• 🔓 The Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863, freed slaves in Confederate territory, but not in the border states, marking a shift in the war's moral cause.
• 💪 Over 180,000 African American soldiers served in the Union Army, with many viewing enlistment as a way to prove their citizenship and fight for freedom.
• 📜 The Civil War solidified the end of secession, and the 13th Amendment freed 4 million enslaved people, reshaping the nation's future.

Q & A

Why did seven Southern states secede before Lincoln took office in 1861?

The seven Southern states seceded because they feared the Republican Party's Free Soil platform, which opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories. They believed that Lincoln's election threatened their way of life, particularly slavery.

What was Lincoln's primary goal at the start of the Civil War?

Lincoln's primary goal was to preserve the Union and prevent further states from seceding, especially the border states. While personally against slavery, he initially focused on keeping the Union intact rather than ending slavery.

What was the significance of the attack on Fort Sumter?

The attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War. It united Northerners in their commitment to preserving the Union, leading to the enlistment of volunteers and the eventual escalation of the conflict.

Why were the border states, like Missouri and Maryland, critical to the Union war effort?

The border states were crucial due to their strategic location, resources, and industrial capacity. Their loyalty to the Union prevented the Confederacy from gaining significant advantages, including manufacturing capacity, additional troops, and control of key geographic locations.

What were the major advantages and disadvantages for the Union in the Civil War?

The Union had advantages in industrial resources, a larger population, a powerful navy, and a well-established federal government. However, it faced challenges in military leadership and resistance from some Northerners who questioned the war's purpose.

What were the Confederacy's main advantages and disadvantages?

The Confederacy's main advantages included strong military leadership, fighting a defensive war on familiar territory, and having a moral cause. However, it struggled with a weak economy, a lack of a navy, poor infrastructure, and limited manufacturing capabilities.

How did the draft system in both the Union and Confederacy lead to unrest?

Both sides' draft systems were seen as unfair, leading to riots, particularly in the North. Wealthy individuals could pay for substitutes, and the Confederacy exempted slaveowners with more than 20 slaves. This led to anger and violence, as seen in the 1863 New York City draft riots.

What was the Emancipation Proclamation, and why was it important?

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declared slaves in Confederate-held territories free. It shifted the war's focus toward ending slavery, strengthened the Union's moral cause, and prevented European intervention on behalf of the Confederacy.

How did African-American soldiers contribute to the Union Army during the Civil War?

Over 180,000 African-American soldiers, including former slaves, enlisted in the Union Army. Their service was seen as a means to prove their citizenship, though they faced discrimination and lower pay compared to white soldiers.

How did Lincoln expand executive power during the Civil War?

Lincoln expanded his executive powers by suspending habeas corpus in certain areas, ordering a blockade without Congressional approval, and increasing the size of the federal army without waiting for Congress to approve. These actions were viewed as necessary to preserve the Union but raised constitutional concerns.