Exam preparation materials

Chapter 9. THE CIVIL WAR 1861-1865

I. NORTHERN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

A. ADVANTAGES

1. An extensive railroad network

2. A strong industrial base

3. A superior navy

4. A larger population

5. An abundant supply of food

B. DISADVANTAGES

1. A shortage of experienced and skilled military commanders

2. A divided population that did not fully support the war

II. SOUTHERN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

A. ADVANTAGES

1. A defensive war fought on its home territory

2. A long coastline that would be difficult to blockade

3. An important cash crop in cotton

4. A group of experienced and skilled military commanders

5. A close economic relationship with Great Britain

B. DISADVANTAGES

1. A smaller population than the North

2. A smaller industrial base than the North 

III. THE BORDER STATES

A. IMPORTANCE

1. Strategic location

2. Important industrial and agricultural resources

B. KEY BORDER STATES

1. Kentucky

2. Maryland

III. THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM AND THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

A. THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM

1. The Union victory persuaded England and France to remain neutral. While both European powers saw advantages in a divided America, they followed a cautious policy toward both the North and the South.

2. The Union victory enabled Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

TEST TIP

The Battle of Gettysburg and Sherman's March to the Sea are pivotal events that played a key role in the Civil War. However, like other military battles, they are totally ignored by APUSH test writers. Lee, Grant, and Sherman will not appear on your exam. Antietam is the only Civil War battle you need to remember. Keep in mind that the Union victory convinced England and France to remain neutral while enabling Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

B. THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION

1. Lincoln delayed issuing the Emancipation Proclamation because he didn't want to antagonize slave owners in the Border States.

2. The North originally went to war to preserve the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation strengthened the Union's moral cause.

3. The Emancipation Proclamation rallied anti-slavery support in England and France.

4. The Emancipation Proclamation did not free slaves in the Border States.

5. The Emancipation Proclamation freed only the slaves in Confederate states that were still in rebellion.

TEST TIP

It is important to focus on what the Emancipation Proclamation did and did not do. It did significantly enhance the Union's moral cause. However, it did not actually free a single slave. It was much stronger on proclamation than on emancipation. Slavery was legally abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment.

II. KEY POLITICAL ACTIONS DURING THE CIVIL WAR

A. CONGRESSIONAL ACTIONS

1. Congress established a national banking system to provide a uniform national currency.

2. Congress chartered two corporations—the Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad—to build a transcontinental railroad connecting Omaha, Nebraska, with Sacramento, California.

3. Congress passed the Homestead Act of 1862, offering cheap—sometimes free—land to people who would settle the West and improve their property.

4. Congress passed high tariffs to protect American industry from foreign competition.

B. EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL POWER

1. Lincoln found that the war required active and prompt presidential action.

2. Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus for everyone living between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

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