USHI1.S9.O2.02 Standard 9 Objective 2 Learning Page
The Civil War is the bloodiest and most damaging war the United States has ever experienced. It divided not only the country but families as well. It truly was “brother against brother”. Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860 became the breaking point between the North and the South. Eight states seceded by the time Lincoln was sworn in as president. Lincoln stated the purpose of the War was to bring back the rebelling states. Both sides had advantages and disadvantages. The first two years (1861-1862) saw the South more victorious. By the end of 1862, Lincoln changed the direction of the War with a document called the Emancipation Proclamation. He stated that slaves in rebellious states would be set free. Suddenly the war became something bigger where slavery and ideas of freedom began to be discussed. By 1863, the “tide had turned”. After the Battle of Gettysburg, the South had lost over 1/3 of their army. They retreated back into the South and once again tried to defend their lands. However, after 2 years of fighting, the North improved in both skill and leadership. Lincoln made General Grant commander over the Union army and with General Sherman they introduced a new war tactic “total warfare”. The last two years of the war would lead to the destruction of the South, victory of the North and the assassination of Lincoln.
Video #1: Overview of the Civil War
The following are videos from the tv series PBS "Freedom a History of US: Episode #5". They will go over some of the key ideas/events from the Civil War.
Clip #1 - First Battle of the Civil War
Clip #2 - Battle of Antietam and Emancipation Proclamation
Clip #3 - Battle of Gettysburg and Gettysburg Address