Chapter 14: Descent Into War
1861-1862

     I. April 1861-July 1861
          A. The states divide
              1. border states
          B. Strengths and Weaknesses
          C. Strategies
          D. Bull Run: first battle of Manassas

     II. August 1861-March 1862
          A. Financing the war
          B. The navies
          C. England's views of the war
          D. Grant in Kentucky
          E. The Monitor and the Merrimac (Virginia)

     III. March 1862-September 1862
          A. Shiloh
          B. New Orleans
          C. Conscription
          D. Slavery under attack
          E. Antietam (Sharpsburg)
               1. Emancipation Proclamation
          F. Failure of "Cotton is King" Theory

Key Terms

     Gen. Robert E. Lee
     Anaconda Plan
     blockade
     ironclad
     Hampton Roads, VA
     Gen. U.S. Grant
     Gen. Albert Sydney Johnson
     Admiral David Farragut
     Copperheads

Study Questions

1. Describe the strategies of the North and the South as the Civil War began, explaining why each side adopted its position.  Compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of each side in regard to number of men under arms, military experience, industrial capacity, and population.

2. Discuss the war's effects of the civilian population.  Discuss specifically how the conflict affected women, African Americans in both the North and South, and families in the border states.

3. Describe the problems plaguing the Confederate and Union governments in regard to the Civil War, especially the concerns over financing the war and raising the army.

4. Evaluate George McClellan's strengths and weaknesses as one of Lincoln's commanders.  What finally led to his replacement?  Evaluate U.S. Grant's strengths and weaknesses, and explain how Lincoln came to view him and the man to lead the Union Army.

5. Describe the use of naval forces during the Civil War.  Which side was more successful in using ships?

6. Discuss the pivotal battle of Antietam.  Why did the South have confidence?  Why did the South particularly hope for a victory?  What was the actual outcome and what did Lincoln feel that outcome justified?