Key Idea.
Section 1
The Union and Confederacy Build Their Armies
At first, both the Union and Confederacy relied on volunteers. Union soldiers fought to keep the country together, while Confederate soldiers fought to create a separate nation that protected slavery.
As the long war demanded more soldiers, both sides started a draft, which forced men to join the army. The Union army also included many new immigrants from countries like Ireland and Germany.
Section 2
Key Battles Turn the Tide of War
For a long time, it was unclear who would win the Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate armies won and lost battles. But a few key battles were so important they changed the direction of the entire war. The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 was one of these moments.
After this bloody Union victory, President Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1, 1863.
Section 3
New Weapons Create a Deadlier War
The Civil War was different from earlier wars because of new technology. Soldiers used rifles that could shoot accurately from far away. Powerful new cannons, called artillery, could also fire long distances, making old ways of fighting extremely dangerous.
Because attacking became so deadly, armies started using defensive tactics. Soldiers protected themselves by digging long ditches called trenches and building forts. This gave the defending army a huge advantage against an attacking force.
Section 4
Soldiers Confronted Danger and Disease
The soldier's life during the Civil War was incredibly difficult and dangerous. New, more accurate rifles and powerful cannons made battles terrifying and deadly. Soldiers faced constant fear on the battlefield, where thousands could be wounded or killed in a single day.
Life in the army camps was also very hard. Many soldiers suffered from a lack of good food and clean water. Sickness spread quickly through the camps, and with poor medical care, it was often more deadly than combat itself.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
The Union and Confederacy Build Their Armies
At first, both the Union and Confederacy relied on volunteers. Union soldiers fought to keep the country together, while Confederate soldiers fought to create a separate nation that protected slavery.
As the long war demanded more soldiers, both sides started a draft, which forced men to join the army. The Union army also included many new immigrants from countries like Ireland and Germany.
Section 2
Key Battles Turn the Tide of War
For a long time, it was unclear who would win the Civil War. Both the Union and Confederate armies won and lost battles. But a few key battles were so important they changed the direction of the entire war. The Battle of Antietam in September 1862 was one of these moments.
After this bloody Union victory, President Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1, 1863.
Section 3
New Weapons Create a Deadlier War
The Civil War was different from earlier wars because of new technology. Soldiers used rifles that could shoot accurately from far away. Powerful new cannons, called artillery, could also fire long distances, making old ways of fighting extremely dangerous.
Because attacking became so deadly, armies started using defensive tactics. Soldiers protected themselves by digging long ditches called trenches and building forts. This gave the defending army a huge advantage against an attacking force.
Section 4
Soldiers Confronted Danger and Disease
The soldier's life during the Civil War was incredibly difficult and dangerous. New, more accurate rifles and powerful cannons made battles terrifying and deadly. Soldiers faced constant fear on the battlefield, where thousands could be wounded or killed in a single day.
Life in the army camps was also very hard. Many soldiers suffered from a lack of good food and clean water. Sickness spread quickly through the camps, and with poor medical care, it was often more deadly than combat itself.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter