The Civil War began with the bombardment of Fort Sumter, leading to the Confederates' victory in the first battle at Bull Run, which rallied southern troops but created overconfidence. The document discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both the Union and the Confederacy, highlighting the North's economic strength and manpower versus the South's defensive position and skilled leadership. It also touches on the impact of the war on women and the population dynamics in the border states, which played a critical role in the conflict.

1. Reflect:
Explain the events which started the Civil War. Where did the war break-
out and who won this first engagement of the war?
The War Begins
Artistic depiction of the bombardment of Fort
Sumter (above) and the Confederate flag
flying over Fort Sumter (right)

2. 3:39Fords Theater: Fort Sumter and the
Civil War

3. 2
The Border States
Map showing the Union, Confederate, and border states Map of the U.S. with important battle sites
Only slave states left in Union were the 5 “Border States”: 1. Missouri,
2. Kentucky, 3. Maryland, 4. Delaware, and 5. (Later) West Virginia
Border states contained a white population more than 1/2 that of the
entire Confederacy – if they joined the C.S.A. it would dramatically
alter the war!

4. 3
Women and Native Americans During the Civil Wa
Two unidentified soldiers in Union uniforms in front
of painted backdrop
Rose O’Neal Greenhow, Confederate spy
Cherokee confederates reunion in New
Orleans, 1903
War led brother to fight brother –
Lincoln’s wife had 4 brothers who
fought for the South
War opened new opportunities for
women as they took the jobs once
performed by men – they also worked as
nurses and aides

5. 4:11The Civil War in 4 Minutes: Women

6. 3:08The Secret Lives of Some Civil War
Soldiers

7. 6
Southern Advantages and Disadvantages
Robert E. Lee Cotton picking in Georgia, late 1800sThomas Jackson
Southern Advantages
South could fight defensively
behind interior lines
Southern Disadvantages
South was fighting on their soil
and their way of life
South had talented officers
Economy was the greatest
weakness
South lacked weaponry
Widespread hunger and
food supply problems
#1:
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#3:
#1:
#2:
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8. 3:57Civil War in 4 Minutes: Confederate
Leaders

9. 8
Northern Advantages and Disadvantages
U.S.S. New Hampshire, 1864 George McClellan Irvin McDowell
North Advantages
North’s economy was its
greatest strength
North Disadvantages
North controlled the sea
North enjoyed a much larger
reserve of manpower
North had to conquer the
South
North was much less
fortunate in its higher
commanders
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10. 4:20Civil War in 4 Minutes: Union
Leaders

11. 10
The “Road” To Bull Run
Washington, D.C. in 1860, with the unfinished capitol dome
in the distance
Irvin McDowell
Summer 1861, Union army of ~30,000-35,000 drilled near D.C. – the
public and the press demanded action!
Union troops were commanded by Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell –
McDowell’s plan required synchronization of movements and attacks

12. 11
The Battle of Bull Run (1861)
Battle of the fighting at Bull Run (Manassas Junction)
Thomas J. Jackson stood like
a “stonewall” on battlefield
rallying his Confederate troops
to victory!
Confederates won first battle
of Civil War (Union: 460
killed / Confederate: 387
killed)
For the South, victory was bad
as it led the South to become
overconfident, while for the
North it led to the enlistment
of 500,000 men for 3 years

13. 2:08The Battle of First Bull Run

14. Homework:
Reflect
In two paragraphs, discuss whether you believe the United States
could ever fight another Civil War. What would it be about/over?
Wrapping-Up
How do we remember the Civil War generation today? Do
you think Americans could ever fight another Civil War?
Brief video from the Civil War Trust about the
Civil War generation (above) and Union
soldier, Samuel Black, circa 1860s (right)