Government Policies during the Civil War

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:
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.
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:
Northern Democrats who opposed the war. They wanted a negotiated peace with the Confederacy.
Think of Copperheads as the Peace Doves of the North, wanting to end the war, even if it meant compromise.
- Military Victories:
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...

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