The Civil War: The War Of Southern Succession

The Civil War was actually the War of Southern Succession. The Southerners were concerned that their political and economic situation was seriously threatened by Northern bankers and industrialists. The Southerners paid the larger portion of tariffs which benefited the Northerners. The Southerners were also concerned that their land and property would be dominated by banks owned by the Northerners. Theses concerns led to what is known as the Civil War. The unresolved issues of the North and South started in 1858. It was over slavery. By 1860, the majority of the slave states were threatening the Republicans, anti-slavery party, won the presidency. Republican Abraham Lincoln became president in November 1860. This led to South Carolina seceding

The Union was led under General Irvin McDowell, and the Confederates were led by General Pierre Beauregard. On July 21, the fighting began with three Union divisions crossing Bull Run stream, and the Confederates were driven back to Henry House Hill. At this location Beauregard had a strong defensive line and capture the Union artillery. The event led to the Union losing 3,000 men killed, wounded or missing meanwhile the Confederates has 2,000 men killed. This was the first major turning point of the war, and it was important in the winning of the

Grant, was awarded volunteers in June 1861. He had no interest in ending slavery, but had the motive to protect the Union. At Vicksburg, Mississippi, Grant wanted to defeat the Confederates on the Mississippi River. This was a good strategy since the Mississippi River is one of the best waterway transportations for trade. If the Union controlled the Mississippi, the Confederacy would have close to nothing left. Grant moved his men across the Mississippi to the west bank of the river. Then he marched them south until they were below Vicksburg. On the night of April 16, 1863, Grant sent a fleet of gunboats and supplies down the river in an attempt to push past the Confederate guns. Despite heavy Confederate fire, the event succeeded. He battled his way to Vicksburg and attacked the city, but was unable to break the Confederate line around it. Still, he had his enemy surrounded. From the Confederate commander, Simon Bolivar Buckner, Grant demanded surrender. The Mississippi belonged to the Union, and Grant was a hero. An important commander from the South, was Robert E. Lee, and was famous for his victories in the East. General Hooker from the Union took over the Chancellorsville intersection on the last day in April. On May 2, took 30,000 men to march and defeat the enemy. Hooker’s troops relocated to west of Fredericksburg. The battle that took place was the Battle of Salem Church. Lee’s army defeated Hooker and his army. The campaign had