Download Fighting the Civil War Group Questions

Benson
AP U.S. History
Fighting the Civil War
The Civil War officially began on April 12, 1861 when the Confederacy opened fire on
Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, SC. It ended on May 26, 1865 when the last
Confederate troops surrendered. In the over four years of fighting, more than 600,000
people were killed, over 500,000 were seriously wounded, and more than $5 billion in
property damage was caused.
The fighting centered around three major theaters:
1) Capturing Richmond, VA, the Confederate capital, was a major goal of the Union
and was fiercely defended by the Confederacy. This determined the majority of
the military activity in the east and explains why so many battles were fought in
Virginia
2) Trying to gain control of the Mississippi River in an attempt by the Union to split
the Confederacy in half and gain control of the river, a major supply route. This
determined the majority of the activity west of the Appalachian Mountains.
3) A Union blockade of the southern port cities to prevent trade and the movement
of troops and supplies by sea. The union also took over the barrier islands along
the North and South Carolina coast and used them as Union naval bases
The fighting also took place in three major phases. For each phase, discuss with your
group the questions listed below:
1) 1861-1862:
Who led the Confederate forces to victory at the First Battle of Bull Run?
What was particularly significant about the Confederate victory?
Why was McClellan an ineffective Union general during this phase?
Why did Lee venture into Union territory to attack at Antietam, Maryland?
What was particularly significant about the Battle of Antietam?
Why did Lincoln remove McClellan after Antietam?
What antiquated strategy did the new commander, Burnside, utilize at
Fredericksburg and why was it such a disaster?
Explain the importance of the Monitor v. Merrimack encounter.
2) 1863:
Explain why both Vicksburg and Gettysburg were turning point battles for the
Union.
3) 1864-1865:
What two generals successfully commanded the Union troops in the final
years of the war?
Describe Sherman’s March to the Sea.
How did the Union force the Confederacy to surrender at Appomattox Court
House, VA?