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Government Policies during the Civil War

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller

7 min read

Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the Civil War and Reconstruction, focusing on Lincoln's initial goal of preserving the Union, opposition to the war (Copperheads, draft riots), the strategic importance of the border states, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Lincoln's speeches (Gettysburg Address, Second Inaugural). It also includes practice questions covering these key topics and strategies for the final exam.

AP US History: Civil War & Reconstruction - The Night Before

Hey there! Let's get you feeling confident and ready to crush this exam. We're going to focus on the big picture, hit the key points, and make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but understanding the story. Let's do this!

Preserving the Union: Lincoln's Initial Goal

  • Initial Focus:
Key Concept

Lincoln's primary goal at the start of the Civil War was to preserve the Union, not to abolish slavery. He viewed the US as one indivisible nation.

* **First Inaugural Address (1861):** Lincoln emphasized upholding the Constitution and preventing secession. He stated he would not interfere with slavery where it existed, but would not allow the Southern states to leave the Union. 📜
Exam Tip

Remember, Lincoln's views on slavery evolved over time. Initially, it was about preserving the Union, but the war shifted his focus.

Opposition to the War

  • Conscription (Draft): Both sides implemented a draft, which led to significant opposition on the home front.
    • Copperheads/Peace Democrats:
Key Concept

Northern Democrats who opposed the war. They wanted a negotiated peace with the Confederacy.

* **New York Draft Riots:** Violent protests against the draft in NYC, a Democratic stronghold. 😠 * **Southern Bread Riots:** Food shortages led to riots in Southern cities. 🍞 * **Election of 1864:** Lincoln narrowly defeated George B. McClellan, who ran on a platform of ending the war through negotiation. McClellan's popularity stemmed from war-weariness and opposition to Lincoln's policies. 🗳️
Memory Aid

Think of Copperheads as the Peace Doves of the North, wanting to end the war, even if it meant compromise.

  • Military Victories:
Quick Fact

Union victories, such as the Battle of Atlanta, boosted Lincoln's popularity and helped secure his re-election.

Lincoln & the Border States

  • Border States: Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware were slave states that remained loyal to the Union. Keeping them was crucial for the Union's success.</hi...

Question 1 of 11

What was Abraham Lincoln's 🎯 primary objective at the start of the Civil War?

To abolish slavery immediately

To preserve the Union

To expand US territory

To punish the Confederacy