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Delve into the opening shots of the American Civil War, Lincoln's dilemma, causes of the conflict, economic differences, Northern and Southern advantages, and speculative scenarios. Explore the key events, foreign intrigue, and challenges faced by Lincoln and Davis.
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“The time had come ….” The opening shots of the American Civil War.
Fort Sumter • One of two Federal forts left in the South. • Lincoln’s dilemma. What is the one thing that Lincoln can not afford to do? • April 12th, 1861. Southern artillery opens fire on the fort. Thirty-four hours later, the garrison surrenders.
Impact? • Galvanizes the North. The Southerners were now looked upon as the aggressors. • April 15th. Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers • VA, Ark, and Tenn.., all secede. • Robert E. Lee is offered command of the Union armies.
Causes of the Civil War The issue of slavery • Slavery in general. Moral terms. • Expansion of slavery as it relates to the new territories or the balance of power. • Four slave states remained loyal to the Union.
More State’s rights/nullification • Supremacy of the individual state over the federal government. • Interpretation of the intent of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Economic differences • Agriculture v. industry. Slavery and the protective tariff.
More Differences in Civilization • Planter aristocracy v. a more democratic North. Couldn’t understand each other. Fanaticism • Both sides exaggerated the ills of each. • The critical time period of the 1850’s lacked leadership able to steer and maintain a course of compromise.
Advantages for the North 1. Controlled 19 free states and 5 border states. 2. Northern population totaled 22 million. South had 9 million ( of which 3.5 million were slaves) 3. Represented over 90% of the industry. 4. 20,000 miles of railroads.
More Yankees 5. 3/4th of the nation’s financial resources. The South was short on capital. 6. The North maintained control of the navy and merchant marine.
Advantages of the South 1. Geographically compact group of 11 states. 2. Fighting a defensive war. Knew the terrain, shorter lines of communication etc. 3. Military leadership. 4. More accustomed to an outdoor life. 5. British and French friends.
A look at the “ifs” What if: • The Border States had seceded? • Certain battles had gone different ways. • A wave of defeatism swept the North and demanded an armistice? • France or England broke the Union blockade?
Lincoln tests the Constitution • Often proceeded without Congressional approval. • Calls up troops. • Spends federal funds not yet appropriated. • Suspends the writ habeas corpus in MD. • Exiled Copperhead leader Vallandignam to the Confederacy.
Foreign Intrigue Northern problems with England. • Wanted them to keep out of the war. • Wheat and corn defeat King Cotton. • Uncle Tom. • English ship building. Blockade runners. Alabama. • Canadian troubles.
Girding for War • Lincoln and Davis. • Volunteers and the first draft. (19% v. 6%) Economic problems. • Taxes. • New protective tariffs. • National banking system.