THE CIVIL WAR The War Begins Section 1 P Americans Choose Sides When Lincoln took office, seven southern states left the Union, led by South Carolina. Lincoln refused to recognize secession and tried to save the nation. Confederates were trying to gain control of federal buildings in the south. Fort Sumter Fighting broke out at Fort Sumter. Fort Sumter was a Federal outpost in Charleston, South Carolina. Confederate forces asked for its surrender. Lincoln refused and sent ships with supplies. Confederate cannons began firing on April 12, hours and 4000 shells later, Fort Sumter fell. The Civil War began. Lincoln called for 75,000 men to enlist in the militia. Four more slave statesNorth Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Arkansasseceded. More than twice that number came forward. The border states of Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri (slave states) did not join the Confederacy. Western Virginia supported the Union and set up its own state government as West Virginia in Reaction of Lincolns Call Winfield Scotts Plan 1. Destroy the Souths economy with a naval blockade of southern ports. 2. Gain control of the Mississippi River to divide the South. 3. Attack Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate Capital. Confederate Plan The Confederate plan involved cotton (Cotton Diplomacy). The Confederacy hoped for support from Britain because of its need for cotton. But, Britain had large stores of cotton and got more from India and Egypt. Northern Advantages Larger population (22 million) Many roads, canals, and railroads War stimulated economy (production of coal, iron, wheat, and wool increased) More developed economy, banking system, and currency. Northern Disadvantages Had to travel huge distances. Had to maintain long supply lines. Land was difficult to cross. Rivers formed a natural defense for the South. Not familiar with the area. Southern Advantages Strong military tradition Brilliant officers Farms provided food Only needed to defend itself Knew the land Southern Disadvantages Few factories for producing weapons and other supplies Few railroads to move troops and supplies Smaller population Preparing for War Neither side was prepared, but many were eager to help Thousands and thousands came forward to serve on both sides Civilians volunteered to raise money to aid soldiers and their families Ran hospitals, served as nurses, and sent supplies to troops Volunteers had to learn the military basics of marching, shooting, and using bayonets. The War in the East Section 2 P War in Virginia First major battle of Civil War in Virginia, in July 1861 Union army of 35,000 under General Irvin McDowell Confederate army of 22,000 under General Pierre G. T. Beauregard Clashed at Bull Run Creek near Manassas Additional 10,000 Confederates arrived Confederate troops under General Thomas Stonewall Jackson held against Union attack Confederates counterattacked Union troops retreated Confederates won First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the first Battle of Manassas More Battles in Virginia General George B. McClellan was placed in charge of 100,000 soldiers, called the Army of the Potomac. McClellan launched an effort to capture Richmond called the Peninsular Campaign. Stonewall Jackson launched an attack towards Washington, preventing Union reinforcements. Confederate army in Virginia was under the command of General Robert E. Lee. Lee attacked Union forces in series of clashes called Seven Days Battles and forced Union army to retreat in June 1862. These battles pushed McClellan away from Richmond. Lincoln ordered General John Pope to march to Richmond. Jacksons troops stopped Popes army before it met up with the other Union army. The Second Battle of Bull Run was fought in August 1862; Confederates again forced a Union retreat. Battle of Antietam Confederate leaders wanted to follow Lees victories in Virginia with victory on northern soil. A copy of Lees strategy was left behind and led to the next major battle. Lees Confederate troops and McClellans Union army met along Antietam Creek in Maryland on September 17, The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history, with more than 12,000 Union and 13,000 Confederate casualties. It was an important victory for the Union, stopping Lees northward advance. Union Naval Blockade Union navy controlled the sea and blockaded southern ports. The southern economy was hurt because the South was prevented from selling and receiving goods. Some small, fast ships got through blockade, but the number of ships entering southern ports was reduced from 6,000 to 800 a year. Clash of the Ironclads The Confederacy turned to a new type of warship ironclads, or ships heavily armored with iron. The Confederacy Captured Union ship Merrimack, turned it into ironclad, and renamed it the Virginia. Ironclads successfully attacked the wooden ships of the Union. A Union ironclad, called the Monitor, battled the Virginia near Hampton Roads, Virginia, in March 1862 and it forced the Confederates to withdraw Had a revolving gun tower and thick plating The Monitors success saved the Union fleet and continued the blockade.