The American Civil War Civil War Civil war

The American Civil War

Civil War • Civil war - A civil war is a war between people in the same country.

The Creation of West Virginia • Conflict grew between the eastern and western counties of Virginia. • Many in the western counties were in favor of abolition (against slavery) and against seceding from the Union. • Many disagreements between the two regions of the state led to the formation of West Virginia.

The Creation of West Virginia • In 1863, 50 western counties voted to break away from Virginia and form their own state. • This new state was known as West Virginia and it joined the Union.

Who is Who? • North – United States. • Union – United States. • Army of the Potomac. United States Army. • Federals – United States.

Who is Who? • South – Confederate States of America. • Confederacy – Confederate States of America. • Army of Northern Virginia- Confederate States Army. • Rebels – Confederate States of America.

Both Sides Look for a General • President Lincoln and President Davis both wanted a man from Virginia named Robert E. Lee to command their army! • By 1861, Lee was already a respected military leader in the U. S. Army. • Lee was the man who captured John Brown at Harpers Ferry in 1859!

Robert E. Lee • Lee loved the United States and he thought that slavery was wrong! • However, Lee was from Virginia and he said that he could not fight against his home state. • Lee accepted President Davis’ offer to lead the Confederate Army.

The Civil War in Virginia • After Virginia seceded from the Union, the Confederate States of America moved its capital to Richmond, Virginia. • Many important Civil War battles were fought in Virginia.

Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) • The first Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) was the first major clash of the Civil War. • This is the battle where Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson earned his nickname!

Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson • It is said while the battle raged around him, Thomas Jackson stood calmly, “like a stonewall. ” • “Stonewall” Jackson played an important part in this battle and help lead the Confederacy to a victory at Bull Run.

Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson • He led Confederate troops into many battles. • Jackson was a former officer in the U. S. Army and resigned to join the Confederate Army. • Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was from Virginia.

J. E. B. Stuart • J. E. B. Stuart was also a former U. S. Army leader. He resigned (quit) his job to join the Confederate Army. • He was the leader of the Confederate Army’s Cavalry. • He was called the “eyes of the army” by Robert E. Lee. • J. E. B. Stuart was from Virginia.

The Civil War in Virginia • The Confederacy had won the first major battle of the war. • This was just one of many battles fought in Virginia.

The Civil War in Virginia • Virginia was a major battleground of the Civil War because much of it lay between the capitals of the two sides – Richmond and Washington, D. C.

The North Sets Up a Naval Blockade of the South • Blockade – the patrolling of an enemy country’s coast by warships to prevent the enemy from sending or receiving weapons, ammunition, reinforcements, or food from other countries.

The North Sets Up a Naval Blockade of the South • Abraham Lincoln used the Union Navy to blockade many important southern ports. • This made it difficult for the South to sell its agricultural products to other countries. They used the money to buy supplies for the army!

Battle at Sea • An important sea battle took place between two iron-clad ships. • The battle took place in Virginia waters near Norfolk and Hampton. (Hampton Roads area) • The Union ship was called the Monitor. • The Confederate ship was called the Merrimack.

Battle at Sea • The battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack was fought to a draw. • A draw means that there was no winner or no loser!

The War Rages On! • Fredericksburg, VA - Lee defeats the Union Army here. • The Union’s economic and manpower advantages begin to take a toll on the Confederate Army. • The naval blockade was strangling the economy of the South.

The Fall of Richmond • Richmond falls to Ulysses S. Grant and the Union Army. In order to keep supplies from falling into the enemy’s hands, the Confederate Army burns the city! • Lee and the Confederate Army retreated to the west!

The War Ends! • The Civil War ended at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. • Lee surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in April 1865. • The war was now over!

Roles of Groups During the U. S. Civil War • Whites, enslaved African Americans, free African Americans, and American Indians all had various roles during the Civil War. • Most white Virginians supported the Confederacy.

Roles of Groups During the U. S. Civil War • The Confederacy relied on enslaved African Americans to raise crops and provide labor for the army.

Roles of Groups During the U. S. Civil War • Some free African Americans felt their limited rights could best be protected by supporting the Confederacy. • Many freed African Americans fought for the U. S. Army.

Roles of Groups During the U. S. Civil War • Most American Indians did not take sides during the Civil War.

Virginia’s Connection to the Civil War Today • You may recognize this common road sign in Virginia. Tourists come from around the world to learn about Virginia’s role in the U. S. Civil War!