The Effects and Significance of the Civil War

The Effects and Significance of the Civil War Essential Question: How did the Civil War “make” America? Objective: Analyzing the Gettysburg Address alongside class notes to describe how the Civil War made America what it is today. U. S. History Mr. Jachimiec 10/14/2015

Lincoln’s Letter to Horace Greeley • “My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause. ” • What is Lincoln’s stance on slavery here? What is your reaction to Lincoln’s words?

Lincoln’s Personal Beliefs on Slavery • “I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty; and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men everywhere could be free. ” • How does Lincoln explain the stance he took with Greeley? How does that differ from his personal belief about slavery?

The Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) • North claimed victory at Battle of Antietam—gives Lincoln enough political capital to issue the Proclamation • Declares "all persons held as slaves [within the rebellious states] are, and henceforward shall be free. " • Is this a perfect proclamation? How would you improve it?

Effects of the Emancipation Proclamation • Does NOT immediately free even one slave! BUT… • Fundamentally transforms the character of the war…how? • Gives the Union the moral high ground (can you think of a time when you’ve been able to take the moral high ground? ) • Prevents Europe from helping the South for cotton (why? ) – Europe was strongly against slavery

Before the Civil War people said, “The United States are…” After, they started saying, “The United States is…” • What’s the difference between the two? • Why the change in expression?