15.3 1863: The Changing Nature of the War
3 min read•june 24, 2024
The Civil War took a dramatic turn in 1863, shifting towards . Both sides ramped up destruction, targeting civilian infrastructure and resources. The Union's larger population and industrial might gave them an edge in mobilization efforts.
Key battles like Gettysburg and Vicksburg swung momentum to the Union. The redefined the war's purpose, allowing African American soldiers to join the fight and weakening the Confederacy's labor force and economy.
The Changing Nature of the Civil War in 1863
Concept of total war
Top images from around the web for Concept of total war
File:Sherman's March to the Sea - Project Gutenberg eText 21566.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:F.O.C. Darley and Alexander Hay Ritchie - Sherman's March to the Sea - Original.tiff ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Mississippi in the Civil War • FamilySearch View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Sherman's March to the Sea - Project Gutenberg eText 21566.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:F.O.C. Darley and Alexander Hay Ritchie - Sherman's March to the Sea - Original.tiff ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Concept of total war
File:Sherman's March to the Sea - Project Gutenberg eText 21566.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:F.O.C. Darley and Alexander Hay Ritchie - Sherman's March to the Sea - Original.tiff ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Mississippi in the Civil War • FamilySearch View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Sherman's March to the Sea - Project Gutenberg eText 21566.jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:F.O.C. Darley and Alexander Hay Ritchie - Sherman's March to the Sea - Original.tiff ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Type of warfare nations mobilize all available resources and population to support the war effort involves targeting civilian infrastructure and resources to weaken the enemy aims to completely destroy the opponent's ability and will to fight (, Sherman's March to the Sea)
- Impact on the Civil War in 1863 increased destruction and brutality as both sides adopted total war strategies Union campaigns targeted Confederate infrastructure and civilian property () Confederate and raids on Union supply lines and civilian areas intensified escalation of the conflict led to higher casualties and widespread devastation (burning of Atlanta)
Union vs Confederate mobilization
- Union mobilization strategies enacted the of 1863 instituting a draft to bolster military ranks increased industrial production of war materials leveraged its larger population and industrial capacity to maintain a strong fighting force (factories, railroads) introduced the use of African American soldiers following the Emancipation Proclamation ()
- Confederate mobilization strategies struggled with a smaller population and limited industrial resources relied heavily on to maintain its armies faced challenges in producing and distributing adequate supplies and equipment (food shortages, ) utilized slave labor to support the war effort and maintain agricultural production (plantations)
Momentum shift in 1863
- (May 1-6, 1863) Confederate victory under General but with heavy casualties death of Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was a significant blow (friendly fire)
- (July 1-3, 1863) decisive Union victory that halted Confederate invasion of the North turning point in the Eastern Theater marking the last major Confederate offensive ()
- Vicksburg Campaign (May 18 - July 4, 1863) Union victory under General capturing the crucial Mississippi River stronghold split the Confederacy in two and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River ()
- (September - November 1863) Union victories at Battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge secured Union control of Tennessee and opened the door for the Atlanta Campaign ()
Impact of Emancipation Proclamation
- Significance redefined the purpose of the war making slavery's abolition a central goal encouraged enslaved people to escape and join the Union cause allowed for the recruitment of African American soldiers into the Union Army () weakened the Confederacy by undermining its labor force and economy ()
- Consequences boosted international support for the Union as the war was now seen as a fight against slavery increased opposition to the war among and in the North led to the eventual passage of the permanently abolishing slavery in the United States set the stage for the long and difficult process of and the struggle for civil rights (, )
Key Terms to Review (57)
13th Amendment: The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished and prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was a pivotal piece of legislation that marked a significant turning point in the American Civil War and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
54th Massachusetts Infantry: The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was an African American regiment that played a significant role in the American Civil War, particularly in the context of the changing nature of the war in 1863 and the Union's eventual triumph.
Albert Parsons: Albert Parsons was a prominent American labor activist and anarchist during the late 19th century. He played a significant role in the labor movement and the events surrounding the Haymarket Affair, which had a lasting impact on the fight for workers' rights and the development of industrial America.
American Railway Union: The American Railway Union (ARU) was a labor union formed in 1893 that represented railroad workers across the United States. It was founded by Eugene V. Debs and aimed to organize all railroad workers, regardless of their specific job or craft, into a single, powerful union to advocate for better working conditions and wages.
Andrew Carnegie: Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the steel industry in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His business acumen, innovative practices, and strategic acquisitions helped establish him as one of the wealthiest individuals of his time, making him a central figure in the transformation of America into an industrial powerhouse.
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was one of the oldest and most influential railroad companies in the United States, playing a crucial role in the industrialization and economic development of the country during the 19th century. As a major transportation network, the B&O Railroad connected the eastern seaboard with the Midwest, facilitating the movement of goods, resources, and people across the nation.
Battle of Chancellorsville: The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major military engagement that took place in Virginia during the American Civil War. It was a significant event that marked a turning point in the changing nature of the war between the Union and Confederate forces.
Battle of Chickamauga: The Battle of Chickamauga was a two-day battle fought during the American Civil War in September 1863. It was a major engagement in the Western Theater, taking place in northwestern Georgia near Chattanooga, and was one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict.
Battle of Gettysburg: The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal engagement of the American Civil War, fought from July 1-3, 1863 in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It is considered a turning point in the war, as the Union forces under General George G. Meade were able to repel the Confederate invasion led by General Robert E. Lee, marking the last major offensive of the Confederacy in the Northern states.
Battle of Lookout Mountain: The Battle of Lookout Mountain was a decisive engagement during the American Civil War that took place in November 1863. It was a key battle in the Chattanooga Campaign, which was a series of Union offensives aimed at breaking the Confederate siege of Chattanooga, Tennessee and securing control of the vital transportation hub.
Battle of Missionary Ridge: The Battle of Missionary Ridge was a critical engagement during the American Civil War that took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee in November 1863. It marked a significant turning point in the conflict, showcasing the changing nature of the war as Union forces were able to achieve a decisive victory against the Confederate army.
Black Codes: The Black Codes were a series of restrictive laws passed by Southern states after the Civil War to limit the rights and economic opportunities of newly freed African Americans. These codes aimed to maintain white supremacy and a system of labor control similar to slavery, despite the abolition of the institution.
Capitalism: Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit. It is characterized by the accumulation of capital, competitive markets, and wage labor.
Carnegie Steel Company: The Carnegie Steel Company was a major American steel-producing company founded by Andrew Carnegie in the late 19th century. It played a pivotal role in the rapid industrialization and economic growth of the United States during the period known as the 'Building Industrial America on the Backs of Labor'.
Chattanooga Campaign: The Chattanooga Campaign was a series of military operations in the fall of 1863 that resulted in Union forces capturing the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a crucial transportation hub in the American Civil War. This campaign marked a significant shift in the nature of the war, as it demonstrated the Union's growing strength and strategic prowess in the Western Theater.
Collective Bargaining: Collective bargaining is the process by which workers, through their unions, negotiate with employers to determine the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, benefits, and working conditions. It is a fundamental right for workers to have a voice in shaping their workplace environment.
Conscription: Conscription is the compulsory enlistment of people into military service, typically during times of war or national emergency. It involves the government requiring citizens to serve in the armed forces, often through a draft or lottery system.
Contraband Camps: Contraband camps were makeshift settlements established during the American Civil War to provide shelter and resources for enslaved people who had escaped from their owners and sought refuge with the Union Army. These camps were created as a response to the influx of formerly enslaved individuals seeking freedom and protection from the Confederacy.
Copperheads: Copperheads were a group of anti-war Democrats during the American Civil War who opposed the policies and actions of the Union government, particularly the Lincoln administration's prosecution of the war against the Confederacy. The term 'Copperhead' was used as a derogatory label to suggest their sympathies lay with the South.
Economic Analysis: Economic analysis is the systematic study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It involves the application of economic principles and theories to understand and evaluate the economic factors that influence decision-making, resource allocation, and overall economic performance.
Emancipation Proclamation: The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War that declared all enslaved people in Confederate-held territories to be free. It was a pivotal moment in the war that transformed the Union's goals from preserving the nation to abolishing slavery.
Enrollment Act: The Enrollment Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1863, established the first national military draft in American history. It was a significant development during the Civil War, as it allowed the Union to expand its military forces to combat the Confederate army.
Eugene V. Debs: Eugene V. Debs was an American socialist, trade unionist, and political activist who played a significant role in the labor movement and progressive reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a prominent figure in shaping the social and labor landscape during a period of rapid industrialization and economic change in the United States.
Freedmen's Bureau: The Freedmen's Bureau was a government agency established in 1865 to assist formerly enslaved African Americans, known as freedmen, in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Its primary purpose was to help with the transition from slavery to freedom and to provide aid, education, and legal assistance to the newly emancipated population.
Gilded Age: The Gilded Age was a period in American history from the 1870s to the early 1900s, characterized by rapid industrialization, the accumulation of great personal wealth, and political corruption. This term encapsulates the complex social, economic, and political transformations that shaped the United States during this era.
Great Railroad Strike: The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a massive nationwide strike against wage cuts and poor working conditions in the railroad industry. It was one of the largest labor actions in U.S. history and a significant event in the development of the American labor movement.
Guerrilla Warfare: Guerrilla warfare is an unconventional military strategy in which small, mobile groups of combatants, often civilians, use surprise attacks, sabotage, and other tactics to harass and weaken a larger, conventional military force. This type of warfare is characterized by its irregular, decentralized, and asymmetric nature, making it a powerful tool for weaker forces to challenge a superior opponent.
Haymarket Affair: The Haymarket Affair was a pivotal event in the history of the labor movement in the United States, involving a violent confrontation between police and workers that took place in Chicago in 1886. This event had a significant impact on the struggle for workers' rights and the broader context of industrialization and urbanization in America.
Homestead Strike: The Homestead Strike was a violent labor dispute in 1892 between the Carnegie Steel Company and its workers at the Homestead Steel Works in Homestead, Pennsylvania. It was one of the most significant and violent labor conflicts in American history, highlighting the tensions between industrial workers and powerful corporations during the late 19th century.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid economic and social change that transformed human society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was characterized by the transition from an agrarian, handicraft economy to one dominated by industry, machine manufacturing, and the factory system.
Industrialization: Industrialization is the process by which a society or country transforms from a primarily agricultural economy to one focused on manufacturing and commercial activities. This shift involves the widespread adoption of machinery, the growth of factories, and the development of new technologies to increase productivity and economic output.
Inflation: Inflation is a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time. It erodes the purchasing power of a currency, leading to a decline in the real value of money.
John D. Rockefeller: John D. Rockefeller was an American business magnate and philanthropist who founded the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and became one of the world's first major business trusts. He played a significant role in the industrialization and economic growth of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Knights of Labor: The Knights of Labor was a labor organization that emerged in the late 19th century as one of the first major labor unions in the United States. It sought to improve the working conditions and wages of industrial workers, particularly those in the manufacturing and mining sectors, during a time of rapid industrialization and class divisions in American society.
Labor History: Labor history refers to the study of the experiences, struggles, and achievements of workers throughout history. It examines the development of labor movements, unions, and their impact on shaping industrial and economic policies, as well as the broader social and political landscape.
Labor Legislation: Labor legislation refers to the laws and regulations enacted to protect the rights and working conditions of employees in the workforce. This term is particularly relevant in the context of 'Building Industrial America on the Backs of Labor', as the rapid industrialization and growth of the United States during this period was often accompanied by exploitative labor practices that necessitated government intervention.
Labor Reform: Labor reform refers to the efforts to improve working conditions, wages, and the overall treatment of workers in industrial and manufacturing sectors. It emerged as a response to the exploitation and poor treatment of laborers during the rapid industrialization of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Lochner v. New York: Lochner v. New York was a landmark 1905 Supreme Court case that struck down a New York state law limiting the number of hours bakers could work per week. The Court ruled that the law violated the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause, which protects individual liberty, including the freedom to contract one's labor.
Peace Democrats: The Peace Democrats, also known as the Copperheads, were a faction within the Democratic Party during the American Civil War that opposed the war policies of the Lincoln administration and sought a negotiated peace settlement with the Confederacy rather than continued military conflict.
Pickett's Charge: Pickett's Charge was a massive frontal assault ordered by Confederate General Robert E. Lee during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, which represented a significant turning point in the American Civil War and the changing nature of the conflict.
Pinkerton Agents: Pinkerton agents were private security guards and detectives employed by the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, a private security firm founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton. They were known for their role in breaking up labor unions and suppressing worker uprisings during the industrialization of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Progressive Era: The Progressive Era was a period of social and political reform in the United States that spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s. It was characterized by a push for greater government regulation and intervention to address the challenges brought about by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social inequality.
Pullman Palace Car Company: The Pullman Palace Car Company was a major manufacturer of railroad passenger cars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It played a significant role in the development of the railroad industry and the growth of industrial America, particularly in the context of labor relations and the exploitation of workers.
Pullman Strike: The Pullman Strike was a major labor dispute in 1894 that pitted the American Railway Union (ARU) against the Pullman Company and the federal government. It was a significant event that highlighted the growing tensions between industrial workers and corporate power in the late 19th century United States.
Reconstruction: Reconstruction was the period in United States history following the American Civil War, in which the federal government made efforts to reintegrate the secessionist Confederate states back into the Union and to define the status of the freed slaves. This term is closely connected to the topics of the changing nature of the war, the Union's triumph, the restoration of the Union, the collapse of Reconstruction, and political corruption in the postbellum era.
Robert E. Lee: Robert E. Lee was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War, known for his military leadership and strategic prowess. He played a crucial role in the early stages of the conflict and the changing nature of the war as it progressed.
Scorched Earth Tactics: Scorched earth tactics refer to a military strategy that involves deliberately destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy during a retreat or withdrawal. This often includes burning crops, poisoning wells, and destroying infrastructure to deny the opposing force access to critical resources.
Siege Warfare: Siege warfare refers to the military strategy of surrounding and isolating a fortified location, such as a city or castle, in order to cut off supplies and force its surrender through attrition or bombardment. This tactic was commonly employed throughout history, particularly in the American Civil War context of the 1863 Changing Nature of the War.
Socialism: Socialism is a political and economic system that advocates for collective or state ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of goods and services. It emphasizes the equitable distribution of wealth and resources among the members of a society, with the goal of creating a more just and egalitarian social order.
Strike-breaking: Strike-breaking refers to the practice of employing individuals or groups to work in place of employees who are on strike, with the goal of undermining the strike and continuing business operations. It is a tactic used by employers to maintain productivity and weaken the bargaining power of striking workers.
Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson: Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, known for his tactical brilliance and unwavering determination. He played a crucial role in the Confederacy's military campaigns, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley and the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Total War: Total war refers to the concept of warfare in which a country or alliance devotes all of its resources to the complete defeat of the enemy, mobilizing all available economic, industrial, and military resources for that purpose. It is characterized by the absence of distinction between combatants and civilians, with both becoming legitimate targets.
Trade Unions: Trade unions are organizations of workers that advocate for better working conditions, wages, and benefits through collective bargaining with employers. They play a crucial role in the context of 'Building Industrial America on the Backs of Labor' by representing the interests of workers during the rapid industrialization and growth of the American economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ulysses S. Grant: Ulysses S. Grant was a renowned American military leader who played a pivotal role in the Union's victory during the American Civil War. As the 18th President of the United States, Grant's leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in shaping the course of the war and the eventual triumph of the Union forces.
United States Colored Troops: The United States Colored Troops (USCT) were African American soldiers who fought for the Union during the American Civil War. They played a crucial role in the changing nature of the war, as their enlistment and service marked a significant shift in the Union's military strategy and the fight for emancipation.
Vicksburg Campaign: The Vicksburg Campaign was a critical military operation during the American Civil War that culminated in the Union's capture of the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. This campaign was a significant turning point in the war, marking a shift in the balance of power between the Union and Confederacy.
Working Class: The working class refers to the socioeconomic group of people who perform manual, industrial, or service-based labor for wages, as opposed to the upper or middle classes who may engage in more professional, managerial, or entrepreneurial work. This group forms the backbone of the industrial economy and is central to the topics explored in 18.3 Building Industrial America on the Backs of Labor.