Chapter 14.4 The Coming of the Civil War

1. Chapter 14.4 The Coming of the Civil War John Brown’s raid increased tensions between the north and south and the nation was on the verge of war

2. I. The Nation Divides • As the election of 1860 neared, the American people feared a crisis was coming. • The nation has never been as divided as it was at this point

3. A. Election of 1860 • Republican’s chose Lincoln and democrats chose Stephen Douglas and John Breckenridge as their candidates • Many wanted the crisis between the north and south to be healed they didn’t want war • Douglass feared that Lincoln had all the power but refused to let the south go down without a fight • In the end Lincoln won the majority of the votes, and the south feared what could come of this great leader taking over

4. B. Southern States Secede • When Lincoln won many in the south felt they no longer had a voice especially on slavery • Many felt so strong they even suggested leaving the union • They held a meeting and agreed that “under the name of the United States of America is hereby dissolved”

5. C. Confederate States of America • Soon 6 states followed as South Carolina seceded. • However not everyone in the south felt this way former leaders Sam Houston (Mexican-American War) and Andrew Johnson were against the secession • In February leaders met in Alabama to rename the south “The Confederate States of America” and their new President of the south would be Jefferson Davis

6. II. The Civil War Begins • March 1861 Lincoln officially becomes president and he addresses the states that left by saying “I have no purpose to interfere with the institution where slavery exists” but he also warned them about the path they chose (read quote pg. 501) • The south refused to listen and thus forced Lincoln to respond to the destruction they were causing in the south (taking over banks, post offices, etc… destroying capital cities)

7. A. Fort Sumter • Lincoln’s biggest problem was fort Sumter, which was located on an island just off the coast of South Carolina • The forts commander wouldn’t surrender and south decided to starve them to death by not sending food. Lincoln didn’t want to give up the fort but he feared that sending more troops would simply break open this war

8. So Lincoln decided to try to send food but no weapons or troops so he didn’t freak out the South • Confederate troops didn’t wait long to respond so they attacked the fort and opened fire on the fort until it caught on fire • Those that managed to make it out with their lives surrendered to the south

9. B. Was War Avoidable? • The confederate attack on Fort Sumter marked the official beginning of the long civil war • However many argue that this could have been avoided • The south might have been satisfied if they were just left alone but others felt that there was no avoiding the in-equality that created this mess

10. 4 years after the war began Lincoln looked back and said “one side would rather make war rather than avoid it, and the other side would rather accept war than just let it go”… thus the war begins