Union Army

Definition

The Union Army was the military force that fought for the northern states during the American Civil War, primarily aiming to preserve the Union and later to abolish slavery. Comprised of volunteers and conscripts, the Union Army played a crucial role in major battles and campaigns, evolving in size and strategy throughout the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Union Army began with approximately 16,000 troops at the start of the Civil War but grew to nearly 2 million soldiers by its end.
2. Key victories for the Union Army included the Battle of Gettysburg, which marked a turning point in the war, and the capture of Vicksburg, which gained control over the Mississippi River.
3. The Union Army adopted various strategies over time, including total war and attrition, particularly under generals like Ulysses S. Grant.
4. The involvement of African American soldiers increased significantly after the Emancipation Proclamation, with about 180,000 serving by the end of the war.
5. The Union Army faced significant challenges, including supply issues, troop morale, and opposition from Confederate forces, but ultimately prevailed due to superior resources and manpower.

Review Questions

• How did the composition and strategy of the Union Army change throughout the Civil War?
  • Initially composed mainly of volunteers, the Union Army expanded rapidly through conscription as the war progressed. Its strategies evolved from traditional battle tactics to more aggressive approaches such as total war, especially under generals like Ulysses S. Grant. This shift was driven by the need for decisive victories and to exploit their numerical advantage against Confederate forces.
• In what ways did the Emancipation Proclamation impact the Union Army's objectives and its personnel?
  • The Emancipation Proclamation not only redefined the war's purpose by framing it as a fight against slavery but also allowed for the enlistment of African American soldiers into the Union Army. This influx of approximately 180,000 African American troops significantly bolstered Union numbers and morale while undermining the Confederacy's labor force. It marked a critical shift in both military strategy and national policy.
• Evaluate how key battles involving the Union Army shaped public perception of the Civil War and influenced future military strategies.
  • Key battles like Gettysburg and Vicksburg were pivotal in shaping public perception by showcasing both the sacrifices made by Union soldiers and their strategic victories. The media coverage surrounding these events elevated support for the war effort among northern citizens. These battles also prompted a shift in military strategies; leaders recognized that aggressive tactics could lead to quicker victories, ultimately contributing to a more coordinated and relentless approach as exemplified by Sherman's March to the Sea.

Related terms

Confederate Army: The military force that represented the southern states during the Civil War, fighting to secede from the Union and maintain the institution of slavery.

Emancipation Proclamation: An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 that declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free, which aimed to weaken the Confederacy and enlist African American soldiers in the Union Army.

General William Tecumseh Sherman: A prominent Union general known for his 'March to the Sea,' which employed total war tactics to destroy Confederate infrastructure and morale.