Expert Solutions

1. Why do you think the southern states seceded from the Union when Lincoln was elected, even before he took office?
a. What specific event led to the beginning of the Civil War?  Describe Lincoln’s strategy and response to this event.

2. Describe the military advantages that the South possessed at the beginning of the war.
a. Describe the military advantages that the Union possessed at the beginning of the war.

3. How did General George B. McClellan become the commander of the army of the Potomac?
a. What were the strengths and weakness of General George B. McClellan?
b. How did General Robert E. Lee become the commander of the army of Virginia?
c. What were the strengths and weakness of General Robert E. Lee?
d. Who were some of the other key military leaders in the rebelling southern states?

4. What was General Winfield Scott’s Anaconda Plan?
a. To what extent was it implemented?
b. What accounts for the Union loss at the first battle of Bull Run (Manassas)?
c. How could the battle have gone differently?
d. What was the Peninsula campaign?
e. What did it indicate about McClellan’s military leadership?

5. How did Lincoln select Seward, Stanton, Welles and Chase for his Cabinet?
a. What contribution did each make toward winning the war?