University:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Course:
HIST 1160 | U.S. History to 1865
Academic year:

2024
Views:

464

Pages:

5
Author:

Harsh P.

Lecture Notes: The American Civil War I. Introduction ● Date: September 19, 2023 ● Professor: Dr. John Smith ● Course: American History 101 A. Overview ● The American Civil War, also known as the War Between the States, was a pivotal conflict in American history. ● It took place from 1861 to 1865 and involved the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy). ● This lecture will delve into the causes, major battles, key figures, and the impact of the Civil War on the United States. II. Causes of the Civil War A. Slavery ● One of the primary causes was the issue of slavery. ● The Southern states heavily relied on slavery for their agricultural economy. ● The Northern states, on the other hand, were increasingly against slavery on moral and economic grounds. B. States' Rights ● Another major issue was states' rights. ● Southerners argued for greater autonomy for individual states, while Northerners favored a stronger federal government. C. Economic Differences ● Economic disparities between the North and South also played a role. ● The North was industrialized, while the South was agrarian. ● Tariffs and economic policies exacerbated tensions. III. Major Battles A. Fort Sumter (April 12-14, 1861) ● The conflict began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. ● This marked the start of the Civil War. B. First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861) ● The first major land battle of the war. ● Showed both sides that the war would not be quick or easy. C. Antietam (September 17, 1862) ● Bloodiest single-day battle in American history. ● The Union victory gave President Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. D. Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) ● The turning point of the war. ● Union forces defeated General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. E. Appomattox Court House (April 9, 1865) ● General Lee surrendered to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. IV. Key Figures A. Abraham Lincoln ● 16th President of the United States. ● Issued the Emancipation Proclamation and delivered the Gettysburg Address. B. Jefferson Davis ● President of the Confederate States of America. ● Led the Confederacy throughout the war. C. Ulysses S. Grant ● Commanding General of the Union Army. ● His strategies played a crucial role in the Union's victory. D. Robert E. Lee ● Confederate General-in-Chief. ● Known for his tactical brilliance. V. Impact of the Civil War A. Emancipation Proclamation ● Freed slaves in Confederate territories. ● A major step towards abolishing slavery. B. Reconstruction ● The period after the war marked by efforts to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves into society. C. Constitutional Amendments ● The 13th Amendment abolished slavery. ● The 14th Amendment granted equal protection under the law. ● The 15th Amendment granted voting rights to African American men. D. Long-Term Effects ● The war transformed the United States from a loose confederation of states into a more centralized nation. ● It left a legacy of deep scars, social change, and regional divisions. VI. Conclusion ● The American Civil War was a complex and transformative event in U.S. history. ● Its causes, major battles, key figures, and aftermath continue to shape the nation's identity and history.