United States History U.S. Civil War

University:
Concordia University Wisconsin
Course:
HIST 1215 | American Civilization II
Academic year:

2021
Views:

280

Pages:

2
Author:

basteishx23y

U.S. Civil War Abraham Lincoln was elected during this time, and the Southern states seceded (leave or break away) from the Union, causing a war between the North (Union) and the South (Confederate States). The two major issues dividing the North and South were states’ rights and the status of slavery. ● Reasons for Secession of Southern States o Increasing sectionalism o Disagreements over states rights issues (The South felt that the Federal Government did not have the right to abolish slavery in their states.) o Breakdown of compromise led to failure of the Compromise of 1850, 1820, and Kansas Nebraska Act. o Election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 (Lincoln made it very clear that he opposed slavery in the new territories.) Southerners wanted slavery extended to the new territories, so the South could keep enough strength in the Senate to protect Southern interests (slavery). Abraham Lincoln ● Believed that sectional differences threatened to destroy the Union. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” ● As the Civil War began, Lincoln stated that his primary goal was to preserve the Union (states remain united). ● Claimed that the government was a union of people and not of states. ● Lincoln justified the war by stating that his oath of office required him to defend and preserve the Union. ● expanded Presidential powers during wartime ● Suspended the writ of habeas corpus (law that prevents a person from being held in jail without just cause) during the Civil War. ● Arrested and jailed anti-Unionists without giving a reason. ● Increased the size of the army without congressional authorization. ● Censored some anti-Union newspapers and had some editors and publishers arrested. ▪ This demonstrates that restrictions on people’s rights may occur during wartime. ● Emancipation Proclamation- Order issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 (effective Jan. 1863) that declared slaves free in the areas still held by the Confederates. The major purpose was to help the North win the Civil War, because it helped keep England from siding with the South. Reasons for North (Union) Victory ● The North was better prepared economically to fight the war and had more human resources and war materials. Results (U.S. Civil War) ● Power of the central government (aka Federal Government) was strengthened over the power of the States. ● The passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments all led to greater Federal supremacy over the states ● Secession was no longer regarded as an option to be exercised by States. (States can’t try to leave the U.S.) ● The North underwent rapid economic growth and industrialization, because it was stimulated by increased government demand for many products in order to fight the war.