Union First; Freedom Second

Front

What is Lincoln’s MAIN goal of the war in 1862?

Back

Preserve the Union

Answer explanation

Lincoln's MAIN goal in 1862 was to preserve the Union. While abolishing slavery became a significant aspect later, the primary focus was to maintain the integrity of the United States amidst the Civil War.

Front

How did many northerners feel about emancipation of the slaves as a goal of the war?

Back

They opposed it.

Answer explanation

Many northerners opposed emancipation as a war goal, fearing it would disrupt the Union cause and lead to social upheaval. Their primary focus was on preserving the Union rather than addressing slavery directly.

Front

What were some of the northern people / newspapers' arguments or complaints?

Back

The war was too costly to help undeserving blacks.

Answer explanation

Some northern people and newspapers argued that the war was too costly, particularly in terms of resources and lives, to aid what they viewed as undeserving blacks, reflecting a sentiment of prioritizing economic concerns over social justice.

Front

Why did Abraham Lincoln emphasize the importance of having Kentucky during the Civil War?

Back

Kentucky's borders included the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, crucial for Union strategy.

Answer explanation

Abraham Lincoln emphasized Kentucky's importance because its borders included the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, which were crucial for Union strategy, allowing for better movement of troops and supplies during the Civil War.

Front

What was the strategic importance of Maryland during the Civil War?

Back

It was close to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

Answer explanation

Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C. made it strategically vital during the Civil War, as controlling the state helped secure the capital from Confederate attacks and ensured Union access to key resources and transportation routes.

Front

Why were many northerners hostile to the arrival of escaping slaves?

Back

They feared a decrease in job opportunities.

Answer explanation

Many northerners feared that the arrival of escaping slaves would lead to increased competition for jobs, potentially driving down wages and making it harder for them to find work.

Front

Why were many of the new immigrants, particularly the Irish, hostile to the draft?

Back

They believed the draft was unfair to immigrants.

Answer explanation

Many new immigrants, especially the Irish, felt the draft was unfair as it disproportionately affected them while wealthier citizens could pay for exemptions, leading to resentment and hostility towards the draft.

Front

How did the Union generals deal with the runaway slaves that sought protection and freedom from the Union army?

Back

Some were put to work for the Union army, while others were returned to their owners.

Answer explanation

During the Civil War, Union generals often put runaway slaves to work for the army to support the war effort, while some were unfortunately returned to their owners due to existing laws and policies.

Front

Why would the lack of clarity of a policy that dealt with runaway slaves be especially bothersome to the abolitionists in the North?

Back

It showed a lack of commitment to ending slavery.

Answer explanation

The lack of clarity in the policy regarding runaway slaves indicated to abolitionists that there was insufficient resolve to abolish slavery, which was a core issue for them. This uncertainty undermined their efforts and commitment.

Front

What did the Confiscation Acts of 1861-62 allow the Union army to do about the runaway or “contraband” slaves?

Back

Seize them as property

Answer explanation

The Confiscation Acts of 1861-62 allowed the Union army to seize runaway slaves as property, classifying them as "contraband". This meant they could not be returned to their owners, but rather taken by the Union forces.