American Civil War Answers:

Confederacy:

1. Q1: Why did the Confederacy secede? The Confederacy seceded primarily to preserve slavery and states’ rights. They feared that Abraham Lincoln’s election and anti-slavery views would eventually lead to the abolition of slavery and a decrease in their political power.

2. Q2: Who led the Army of Northern Virginia? The most famous Confederate general of the Army of Northern Virginia was Robert E. Lee. However, several other generals led the army at different points, including Joseph E. Johnston and James Longstreet.

Early Battles:

3. Q3: Who won the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas)? The Confederates won the First Battle of Bull Run, boosting their morale and giving them early hope for a quick victory. However, the Union victory at Antietam later in the war proved more significant.

4. Q4: Which Union General was rising in the West? Ulysses S. Grant achieved significant victories in the Western Theater, capturing key cities like Vicksburg and Chattanooga. This earned him national recognition and ultimately led to his appointment as commander of all Union armies.

Union Perspective:

5. Q5: Why did the Union fight the Civil War? The Union fought to preserve the nation’s unity and end slavery. While initially focused on restoring the Union, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation later shifted the war’s goals towards abolishing slavery.

Turning Point:

6. Q6: What did Lincoln proclaim after Antietam and how did it change the war? After Antietam, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate-held territories free. This effectively made the war about slavery, gaining international support for the Union while further hardening the Confederacy’s resolve.

7. Q7: What is the Antietam remembered for? The Battle of Antietam is considered the bloodiest single day in American history, with over 22,000 casualties on both sides. Although tactically inconclusive, it provided Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, marking a turning point in the war.

Bonus:

8. Q8: Where were the first shots fired? The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, a Union-held fort in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861. This event marked the official start of the war.