I need to remind you that these may not be the test questions that you get in class. However, they should give you a sense of the major topics areas. Remember to substitute various people or battles into the appropriate question. For example, the question on Gettysburg could also be asked about Antietam or the Wilderness Campaign. Good luck and feel free to ask any question that you may have.
Explain the arguments for and against slavery?
To what extent was slavery a benign institution?
To what extent did slaves maintain their African culture?
Explain how slaves passively and actively resisted Southern slaveholders.
What was the most significant cause of the Civil War?
To what extent were Northern demographic advantages responsible for the Union’s victory?
Explain how the South prolonged the war despite obvious union advantages.
Why didn’t Britain and France formally assist the South?
Compare and Contrast Lincoln and Davis’s effectiveness.
To what extent was Lincoln responsible for the Union's victory?
Did Lincoln overstep his authority during the Civil War?
What role did African Americans play in the Civil War?
http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/history/aa_history.htm
Why is Lee considered the reason the South survived for so long?
How did Grant’s strategy differ from his predecessors?
What was the critical factor in the North winning the war?
Assess the advantages of the North vs. the South?
In light of overwhelming disadvantages, how does the South prolong the war for four years?
Assess how foreign powers affected the Civil War.
Compare and contrast the role of foreign powers in the Civil War vs. the U.S. Revolution.
Was Lincoln the critical factor in the North winning the Civil War?
Why was Grant a particularly effective commander?
Was Gettysburg the critical battle of the Civil War?
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"Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task." ~William James
118 comments:
On the question about what roles did slaves play in the civil war I'm confused on how to go about making buckets. Could you talk about that they were a main cause of the war? Or would it be better to focus on their enlistment as soldiers? Except they weren't especially involved in the war till later, once they did get enlisted did they make a huge difference?
Please check the edit. I would focus on their role in the military. However, this will be easier for you to answer after Tuesday's class.
oh ok thanks very much
The question discussing different ways in which slaves protested passively and actively...does that mean non-violent vs. violent methods of rebelling?
Natalie,
Yes. What do you think you would use as your three buckets?
Mr. O
I'm having trouble thinking of buckets for why the demographics of the north could have helped them win?
I'm having major problems coming up with " buckets " concerning the following questions:
To what extent was slavery a benign institution?
To what extent were Northern demographic advantages responsible for the Union’s victory?
Assess how foreign powers affected the Civil War.
Compare and Contrast Lincoln and Davis’s effectiveness.
Did Lincoln overstep his authority during the Civil War?
Why was Grant a particularly effective commander?
Was Gettysburg the critical battle of the Civil War?
as you can see... i need a lot of help! I was planning on coming before school to ask your help but i was late...
PLEASE HELP ME!!
How would you suggest we set up an "arguments for and against" essay? similar to a compare and contrast?
Hi Lamb,
I am not willing to lay out your buckets to all eight questions without you input. If you throw some ideas at me, I can help you refine them. However, the first thing to do is make sure that you know what benign and demographics mean. Benign means not harmful or kind, while demographic deals with population and resources. Now, let me lay out one of your topics as an example. On the Davis/Lincoln question, I would probably address their ability to achieve critical goals (Foreign policy/draft/financing the war), personal management (firing of Generals, cabinet issues), and ability to be publicly personable. Just some thoughts. If you would like, please feel free to post some ideas on other topics.
Kathleen,
On the arguments for and against, I wouldn't do the running commentary of the compare and contrast. Instead, I would create a two point structure with two or three subpoints for each main point. Hope this helps.
On the causes question, if you were to use expansionism as your answer, could your three buckets be the Mexican American War, Kansas/Nebraska, and CA, or are there better examples?
Hey Mr. O... Was our topics we covered this unit just slavery and the civil war? Or was there another topic included as well?
Hi Jamie,
Just slavery and the Civil War. Good luck.
Hey Mr O.
I have a interesting question...
1. Explain the arguments for and against slavery.
Ok so I have a lot of really good points to answer the first part of the question of why it was good for the US. But I dont have any notes or good solid information besides just personal opinions about why it was bad. Maybe its just my notes.
Can you help me out?
THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Brittney
Meghan,
I like expansionism as the thesis. How about the Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska, and a disagreement about the spread into free-soil territories demonstrated by Lincoln and Taney. Hope this helps.
On the question of why didn't France help out the South, were they in the same position as Britain where Adams' grandson went to convince them not to, or were there other reasons? I don't know of any communication about involvement from the French.
Brittney,
Do you remember the giant blue packet with all of the primary sources? Lot's of evidence in there that it is a brutal human rights abuse. USe that to argue that it is bad for slaves. However, Hinton Helper makes an interesting argument in the Impending Crisis of the South that it is also bad for poor Southern whites because it discourages industry and immigration which fuel economic growth.
Ben,
The French take the opportunity to seize Mexico by putting Max in charge. I think you could make the argument that a strong confederacy would have been tied to Britain via cotton and would likely be hostile to the French/Spanish alliance in Mexico which would be on its border. Does that make sense?
Thanks that helps out a lot!
One more, well atleast for now.
Question #5
What was the most significant cause of the civil war?
I am pretty sure that I have two really strong buckets, those being slavery, and the past generations ect. But I am not so sure about my third one. Is there enough information to talk about the economy differences of the south and north? Or do you have a better suggestion.
Thanks again.
By Taney do you mean Judge Taney in the Dred Scott case? If not, then I don't know who you mean.
Meghan,
Indeed, the one and only Judge Taney from Dred Scot. Does the contrast between Lincoln and Taney make sense?
So, Mr. O, I am confused... was the conflict between France and Mexico and Maximillion just like a side conflict during the civil war that occured... it didnt have really anything to do with the civil war or any significance to it correct?
Brittney,
Careful...note that the question ask for "the" most important cause. You are giving me multiples. I would probably argue, failure to compromise over slavery in the 1850's or expansion. The reason I don't go with slavery is I would then ask you why we didn't have war break out sooner. Slavery had existed in our nation for two hundred years and we hadn't gone to war. Why now? Does that make sense? However, the direction you are going seems to be that this ship sailded a long time ago, it just hadn't reached port. In that case, it is imperative that you prove that slavery, the founders, and the economy made war inevitable. This is a tougher argument, but is still possible. Sorry this ended up so long.
Do you mean that Taney said slavery was legal in all states while Lincoln (and the rest of the Republicans) said it was only an opinion and not really unconstitutional as a violation of the Missouri Compromise?
Jamie,
That is correct. France took the opportunity to disprove our Monroe doctrine while we were preoccupied. As soon as Lincoln beats the South, Sewared was to send a message to the French to get out. I think a similar message would have come from the CSA, if they had won the war.
By the way, I just want you to know how pleased I am that you are studying so diligently. With posting coming so fast, I am concerned that I may miss a quesiton. If I don't get back to you, please feel free to repost and remind me.
So the answer to the question would be that, since France wanted to control Mexico, and a victorious South would mean an authoritative South that would want to control Mexico, the French didn't help out the South? Do you mean that the South would want to start cockroaching/shooting scrapmetal again like in the Mexican-American War if they won?
Or do you just mean that they would unforcefully make the French leave?
Ben,
Despite the state's rights position of the South, they have the same fundamental view of American foreign policy. They would see French Mexico as a threat to them and would disapprove of the new European presence. I don't think you would have seen a lot of cockroaching in Mexico, but hostility could have emerged. So I guess the answer is yes, to your second post.
ummm... Quick question that could come up tomorrow... Describe the acts of defiance and rebellion of America's slaves.
Could I set this essay up with two points to cover, nonviolent and violent acts of defiance from slaves?
Oh thanks for clearing that up, I would have answered it as a three point question. Thanks so much!!!
Britt
Hey again Mr. O. I posted a comment again and I'm not sure if you missed it or just haven't gotten back to me. thanks
Meghan,
Your Taney part is correct. As for Lincoln, you are correct, but you miss the biggest point which is Lincoln doesn't think slavery should spread anywhere. Sorry about missing that one.
Jamie,
I might do rebellions, passive resistance and the underground railroad. I think the U.G. is big enough for its own point.
Ok so, first off what are passive rebellions? and what would be subpoints for the underground railroad? all I would think of would be Harriet Tubman and what her role was and what the U.R. was.
and/or what the U.R. did.
haha I just pulled the Angelina Jolie Grimke joke on my mom.
But she didn't get it... or laugh, but I did... of course.
It makes studying all that more fun.
Jamie,
I am glad that you are using my bad jokes on your mother. Please just stay away from Joe Hooker jokes. I would stress about subpoints in a three point essay, but I would worry about details. Passive rebellions are work slowdowns, Samboism, and sabotage. As for the U.G.R., talk about the #'s escaping both before and during the civil war, Tubman, freedom in Canada, and the black communities attempt to fund and encourage other runaways.
Hi Mr. O
i have some points with each question i have a problem with but i guess i mainly just need advice on whether it's good or not..??
I think it's something i'd have to do in person though, rather than write up everything on here!!
Don't worry! I'll be prepared tomorrow morning so it shouldn't take that long!
--Lamb
A couple more questions...
1. What would be 3 good points for the significance of Frederick Douglass?
2. Why did California decide to enter as a free state? I understand the gold rush was important and a rapid population growth brought California to the number of people where it can become a state and choose whether it will be a slave state or not... but why did it choose to not be a slave state? It messes everything up!
For the question of was Ghettysburg the critical battle of the war, two points for the affirmative could be that it stopped Lee's winning streak and it results in the hiring of Grant, but what would be another one?
Ok thank you for the response on the U.G.R post. By the way I didn't do the Hooker joke because I knew that wouldnt be a good one to tell. haha.
Ok I am back.
When it comes to the Popular Sovereignty thing, Lewis Cass (I hope that is his name spelt correctly!) I am not sure what the importance he has. I have him in my notes but all I have is that he was pro slavery and ran against zach taylor....
Lamb,
Sounds good. I'll see you in the morning.
Jamie,
Question 1 you won't be asked. Question 2-California comes in as a free state because the miners (Irish in particular) don't want slave competition. That is the critical issue.
Ben,
If the Northern Army is defeated at Gettysburg, the South could have moved on DC and forced the surrender of the government. That is the worst case scenerio and perhaps the critical issue.
I see, okay, thanks!
What time are you going to bed Mr. O?
Cass is the first one to really suggest popular soveriegnty. Since he lost to Taylor, that is probably his only significance that you need to know. Minor figure, but an impressive name drop in terms of an essay.
How does the fugitive slaw law play into being an important cause of the civil war?
-it hardens north... why? and what else?
Jamie,
It was a rough day. I will probably be retiring by ten tonight.
Brittney,
I didn't put your name on the Cass one. It is three posts above.
Ok, thats good.
Name dropping is always fun. :)
Now I have quite a few questions for you. Just let me know when enough is enough!
Ok the question about the northern demographic advantages resulting in the unions victory, I am a little confused about other then population I could turn this in to a essay. Would using the advantage of trade via europe work? Not so sure about this one.
And then the role that the African Americans played in the Civil war, this seems really vague to me. I can talk about them being soldiers but other then that, and being chefs and such I dont have much support for that one.
And then! (yes almost done!) Assessing the advantages of the north and south can I turn this in to a two point question? And could you run over what it means to assess again? I dont want to end up just explaining and that not being what it means. I remember you saying something about that.
would running away be a form of passive or active slave rebellion? I figured it would be active but then most active revolts were planned and out right oppositon to their masters?
I know you've expained this many times, but could you tell me what tariffs are again? I think I'm getting the concept of the tax backwards...
Brittney,
No problem. Knowing that I expect a lot out of my students, I will do whatever I can to help them be successful.
1) I would talk about immigration, industrialization, and I would also slip railroads in there which are necessary to industrialization.
2)I would talk about their role in the union army, but I would also talk about the role they play in the South. As 500,000 of them leave the South, it leaves them with a labor shortage. Also, they don't use them in the military until 1865.
3) On the assess question with the North and South, you are simply explaining the advantages/disadvantages that each side had. You may also want to point out who is the better position.
Mr. O,
Who replaced Zachary Taylor as president after Taylor died?
And please dont forget to respond to the previous post I did about the fugitive slave law. Thank you so much!! This is helping me so much.
Jamie,
Sorry guys, I am having troubles keeping up. Fugitive slave law ticks off the north because they now see the horrors of the return to slavery. It also forces them to participate in the return of slaves...they are being forced to participate in something that they morally oppose. John Brown's actions in Kansas will be partially a reaction to the fugitive slave law.
As for successor to Taylor, it is Millard Fillmore. How could you forget Millard Fillmore? How?
I dont get the quote that Fredrick Douglas said 'we need half dozen dead kidnappers' at all. I know it was after Anthony Burns was taken and minster and church freak out. But not so sure if this quote is at all important.
Also could for the question of the critical cause for the civil war, could I say that it was the countrys inability to compromise and come to a understanding with one another? Because this would cover slavery, and other important parts.
Beth,
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I would probably break the underground railroad/runaways into their own point. Ultimately, I think it is active...lots of calories burned.
What are tariffs again?
Meghan,
Not a problem. Tariffs and taxes are very important, very complex, and very dull. Basically,in our nation, a tariff is a tax placed on a good as it comes into the nation. This tends to be good for domestic industry because it makes foreign good more expensive. However, for cotton exports it is bad, because other nations respond by putting a tariff on our cotton making it less competitive overseas
But I thought Millard Filmore was nominated by the "Know Nothings" -the anti-emigrant party... I didnt know he was the successor to Taylor... or was he not? Im still confused.
Ohhh...thanks!
What was the significance of the Freeport Doctrine from Lincoln... did it revolve around the Dred Scott case? and didnt it ruin Douglas's run for presidency?
I am having trouble coming up with buckets for the following question
to what extent did slaves maintain their african culture?
could you argue that in the first few generations it was stronger, but as time went on, it became more of a mixed culture?
thanks
Jamie,
He was Taylor's VP when they won in 1848. When Taylor dies, he became President. He is not terribly popular and will not be renominated. In 1856, the Know Nothings nominate him as their candiate. He loses. Does that make sense?
About Abbie's question: how many buckets would that be? It doesn't seem like there is enough evidence about that to support an entire essay.
Mr. O
On the question of Why is Lee the reason the south lasted so long: is it better to say that he created a high morale in the soldiers by his effective strategies in battle, and then go on to talk about each battle. Or is it better to use his military strategy as one point and his good leadership and experience as another point.
Jamie,
Yes, in the Freeport Doctrine Lincoln gets Douglass to say that states can choose to not enforce the Dred Scot decision by simply not passing laws that would assist slavery. For example, a state would not have a law that says police have to return a runaway slave. This is Doctrine is popular in Illinois during his Senate run, but dooms Douglass in the South during the Presidential election of 1860. The South thinks that he has endorsed nullification of the Supreme Court on the issue of slavery.
I have another question on the critical factor causing the civil war. If I were to say the constitution caused the war by not thoroughly addressing secession, creating problems with new territories, and the different interpretations of slavery of the north versus the south, does that make sense?
Hey Mr. O,
On the question that is "Compare and contrast the role of foreign powers in the Civil War vs. the U.S. Revolution.", other than the French actually militarily aiding us in the revolution, i don't know what else i would say for significant influences. Thanks
Abbie,
Welcome to the party. I would look at it in various places. Large plantations vs small farms
New Arrivals vs. old stock
rural vs. urban
Just some thoughts. By the way, it is all over your historiography packet on slavery.
Meghan,
On Abbie's question, look at the historiography packet. There is a quite a bit there. The other possibility of a structure would be areas. Religion, culture, and language. Also, don't forget that they transfer some of this to the White community as well.
Just a small reminder of my last question! No hurry though. Reading everyone elses questions and taking notes!
thanks
on the question to what extent was Lincoln responsible for the unions success, Im not sure of how to make an entire essay out of this, i know to bring up the fact that he kept trying to come up with a good general, the emancipation proclamation...etc. but im not sure if this is enough to write an entire essay
Kelsie,
On Lee, I might talk about morale, tactical (battle) success, and then strategic importance. Lee, not Jefferson Davis, is making most of the decision on strategy. As for the Constitution, you can only make those arguments if you can reasonably prove that they should have anticipated them or did anticipate them and didn't act.
Brittney,
Thanks for the heads up, I missed that one. The quote might be a great attention getter. Also, I think the failure to compromise would work especially after the Mexican American war. The third generation really struggled with this.
Mr. O,
Is economy a part of demographics? I know the North's good economy stems from demographics but i'm not sure that's entirely the reason.
During one of the movies we watched a historian said John Brown was the incitement behind the Civil War. For a question on the cause of the War, is he significant? Or more of a name-drop detail?
what was the Mason Dixon line an what was its significance?
Conner,
Break out the parts that the French gave us and discuss why missing those things hurt the South. Here is a list of possibilities.
Supplies
Military assistance
Diplomatic cover for other nations
Miltiary advisors
Money
Made the Brits fight for their existance
If some of these occured for the South, would it have changed the conflict?
Not a problem its fast and crazy in here.
Could I use Grant as the critical factor for the North winning the civil war, or would the north keeping foreign power out of the war work better?
Abbie,
1) Management of people-Cabinet, military
2)Good decision making, Sumter, E.P., Grant, not antagonizing the British.
3) Public persona-Bixby letter, not attacking Chase in public, Gettysburg Address
Just some thoughts
Emily,
Yes the economy can be linked to demographics. Gotta go...three more posts just popped up.
McKenzie,
Very good. I think he could be a point that you would use about the radical getting contral and the compromisers failing. Talk about both Kansas and Harper's Ferry and how Brown motivates the Southerners. He convinces them that the North has lost it. It will lead to a massive expansion of Southern militias which will become the backbone of the early Confederate army
Good evening mr. O
For some reason Underground RR #'s are missing in my notes.
would you mind throwing out a few for me.
Thanks
Beth,
The Mason Dixon line is the 36' 30 line that splits the nation. Under the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the North will be free and the South will be slave
Hey Mr.O,
I had a quick question regarding the Kansas-Nebraska Act. I wrote that it was very significant, and even put little stars and notes by it reading: USE THIS! ...but now i cant remember what the the act was in regards to and why people were unhappy about it. I guess the drawing of the stars, distracted me and I left that out. :)
Brittney,
Yes, Grant/Sherman could be the critical factor. Start with what was happening and then close with a point on Grant and then one on Sherman. Hopefully, that mean teacher of yours will be nice enough to say factors and factor.
Thanks! Another quick question: the main people in the "old guard" were Calhoun, Clay, and Webster, correct? Could you give me a quick rundown on their stances on slavery/secession? I know they wanted to preserve the Union through compromise, but am unclear on whether they were for or against slavery.
Good Economy = High population
Or
High Population = Good Economy
OR
Can it go both ways
LEIF YOU ARE AWESOME
Welcome Leif,
Most estimate about 1000 a year fled on the underground railroad during the 1850's which is when it was at its peak. The vast majority of those came from the upper South.
One last little thing and then I will let you go to bed!
On the question of was gettysburg the critical battle of the civil war if I dont think that it was, can I explain why it was not and then choose another battle that works better?
Thanks Mr. O
no brett, YOU are awesome
Kassi,
That was very funny. The Kansas Nebraska act is sponsored by Stephen Douglass and says that each territory will choose whether it become free or slave when it applies for statehood. In other words, popular soveriegnty. It repeals the Missouri compromise which drew a line. This will lead to a big fight in Kansas which was supposed to be a slave state. Bloody Kansas=John Brown, Sumner's beating, and eventually a Civil War in Kansas. Taney then issues Dred Scot to put the whole issue to rest. It doesn't work.
McKenzie,
Calhoun, Clay and Webster all believe in the union first. Webster is the most anti-slavery and Calhoun is the most pro-slavery. Clay tends to be the one in the middle. The other two bring their people to the table to compromise.
Brittney,
On your Gettysburg question...Yes.
Brett,
Hey, I'm the one answering the question!!! I am awesomer. As for you question, it can go both ways. In this case though, I think the industry attracts the immigrants.
Wow, i really don't need to ask any questions. It's all here.
Ok thanks Mr. O.
Leif,
Im going to bed, goodnight ill see yo utomorrow in english. Caleb says hello too.
Everyone,
I am up for another fifteen minutes before my wife puts an end to all of this fun. If I have missed your question, please repeat it and I will try to get to it. Thanks
Why didn't the Emancipation Proclamation formally end the war? If it freed slaves from states still fighting against the Union, then why didn't the slaves just leave and be free and the war over? Did the war continue because after the issue of slavery is solved... Lincoln wanted to keep the United States, "United"?
Kyle,
Nice of you to check in.
Ok! thank you very much! I KNEW IT WAS IMPORTANT! :) :)
one other question. I am having troubles deciding what I believe is the most important battle. I have decided my cause, and no the generals fairly well but they battles seem to run together. I am leaning toward Vicksburg? I dont know if thats the correct spelling. I say this because its where the civil war actually subsided and the north wins. Is that a valid statement?
Thanks Mr. O! and my sister still wants to come watch one of your lectures after the break, by the way.
Jamie,
Lincoln only frees slaves in place that the confederacy controls. He is making a proclamation that he can only enact through military force. It takes a while for the slaves to find out about the proclamation and if they try to leave the South will stop them.
I've been in and out and had a few questions but 105 comments seem to be helping me out. There's been like three questions every minute. CRAZY
Kassie,
Maybe, but I might go with the Wilderness campaign because it signals the arrival of Grant and a new style of fighting in the East.
McKenzie,
Tell your sister that I will get the schedule up on the calendar fuction during Christmas break. She can pick a day that looks interesting.
is the wilderness campaign or is it just lee running into the forrest trying to slow grant down? was there only one battle in the forrest, or numerous battles and that is what makes up the wilderness campaign?
Kyle,
No kidding. It is has been fast and furious.
yeah I was thinking that IF i did use the Vicksburg battle my support would be the wilderness campaign because its because of the "getting close" "no breathing room" theory that made the battle successful. correct!?!?!
well thank you very much! get some rest and be ready for lines of students with dozens of questions and complaints. ha enjoy! just kidding!
Ok I'll let her know! Thanks for all your help. I'm still wishing for a snow day though =)
Abbie,
Numerous battles that I grouped in order to make your life a bit easier. The significance is that Grant has changed the dynamics of the war by pressing Lee.
ok thanks!
well hopefully i will be able to pull out some of the information that is packed into my overstuffed brain for the test tomorrow...good night and thank you for all of your help!!
Well, it has been another fun-filled night. I wish you the best of luck and hopefully you are heading off to bed.
mr o! you didnt grade my essay! ugh! lol
Princess 3-40/50.
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