Civil War and Reconstruction Era

Front

Who was the President of the United States during the Civil War?

Back

Abraham Lincoln

Front

Who was the President of the Confederate States during the Civil War?

Back

Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States. He served from 1861-1865 and previously served as a U.S. Senator from Mississippi.

Front

On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued what proclamation that freed slaves in the rebelling states?

Back

Emancipation Proclamation. Declared slaves in Confederate states to be free. Did not immediately free all slaves, but was a critical turning point.

Front

Who was the most prominent conductor of the Underground Railroad?

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Harriet Tubman was the most prominent Underground Railroad conductor. Helped approximately 70 slaves escape to freedom. Nicknamed 'Moses' for her leadership. Served as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War.

Front

Which battle during the Civil War is considered the major turning point in the war?

Back

Battle of Gettysburg.

Front

Where did General Robert E. Lee surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant?

Back

Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Occurred on April 9, 1865. Effectively ended the Civil War.

Front

How many years did the Reconstruction Era last? What was the purpose of Reconstruction?

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Reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1877, approximately 12 years. Ended with the Compromise of 1877. Marked by attempts to reintegrate Southern states and address racial inequality.

Front

Name the three Constitutional Amendments passed during Reconstruction.

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13th Amendment: Abolished slavery (1865). 14th Amendment: Guaranteed citizenship to persons born or naturalized in the United States (1868). 15th Amendment: Prohibited racial discrimination in voting (1870).

Front

How many soldiers from Berks County served in the Union Army during the Civil War?

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Approximately 6,800 soldiers from Berks County served in the Union Army. 167th Pennsylvania Regiment - only All BERKS regiment. These brave men fought in various regiments, including the 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry (involved at Gettysburg).

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Throughout the Reading-Berks County area, this group is mostly associated with the title, 'First Defenders,' the military unit who first answered President Lincoln’s call to defend our nation’s capital.

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Ringgold Light Artillery.