Transcript Leaders of the Civil War

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President of the Union
Raised in a poor family (mostly self-taught)
Was opposed to slavery but thought the
government could not get rid of it where it
already existed (just do not extend it).
Suspends Habeas Corpus, issues
Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg
Address
Almost loses reelection
Helps the Union win the War
Assassinated after the War
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Commander of the Union Army (many
different commanders initially)
“Unconditional Surrender”
Very aggressive general
Helps the Union win the War (many key
victories)
Southern General Lee surrenders to Grant
Becomes president after the War
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Union general
Loses some early battles (loses command for
a time)
Leads the Union in the capture of Atlanta
(Southern stronghold)
Marches his troops on a path of destruction
through Georgia to the sea. Called Sherman’s
March to the Sea. Destroyed everything in his
path.
Destroys South’s potential to wage war and
their will to fight.
Helps Lincoln gain reelection
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General in chief of the Union Army in 1861
Good at organizing and creating disciplined
troops
Very cautious (does not follow enemy after
battle)
Always claimed he needed more supplies and
troops.
Removed from his command and replaced.
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President of the Confederacy
Originally opposed secession but came to
support it
Hard time running the Confederacy
◦ They wanted to be independent (control their own
supplies and armies)
◦ Wants to create a slave army (states refuse)
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After the War he is charged with treason but
never tried.
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General of the Confederate Armies
Originally asked to be the commander of the
Northern armies (wanted to defend his homeVA)
One of the greatest generals of all time
◦ Less soldiers and supplies than the North but wins
many key battles
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Because of lack of supplies Lee surrenders to
Union general Grant.
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Brilliant Southern general
Earned his nickname because he stood like a
stone wall at the Battle of Bull Run (first major
Civil War Battle)
Good tactics (attack from behind the enemy,
destroy Northern regiments one at a time by
disrupting them, march long distances and still
fight)
Accidentally shot by one of his own men and
dies.
Huge blow to the South’s ability to win the War.
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Confederate General who fought in several
key battles.
One of the commanders present at the Battle
of Gettysburg (many blame him for not
following Lee’s plan which cost the
Confederates victory)
He liked to fight defensively and was not very
aggressive in attacking Northern positions
◦ Many blame him for South losing the War!