The Civil War was one of the most difficult times in American history.

From 1861 to 1865, America was at war with

itself. The war stemmed from differences in beliefs between anti-slavery individuals in the northern states, and pro-
slavery individuals in the south. Slavery was very important to the southern economy, and many southerners were
afraid that Abraham Lincoln would try to to abolish slavery when he became president. Such individuals did not think
the government had the right to tell the states what to do. People in the north thought that slavery was immoral, and
were afraid that if slavery was allowed in America's new territories, it would never be defeated.

In 1860 and 1861, eleven southern states decided to secede (break away) from the United States and form their own
government. It was called the Confederate States of America. Richmond, Virginia was made their capital. Congress
declared war on April 14, 1861 for the purposes of preserving the Union. The first shots of the Civil War were fired
two days earlier at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. 

The war that ensued was long and deadly. Over 500,000 soldiers were killed, by far, more than any other war in
American history. Both the north and the south won many major victories. Many battles proved inconclusive. The
northern side, however, had more people and supplies. The turning point in the war occurred between July 1-3 of
1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg. It was the only time the south waged a major battle on northern soil (not including
battles fought in border states). The Union army was victorious and drove the Confederates back to Virginia. 

In 1864, the Confederate Army was further weakened. Union forces had cut the Confederacy in two separate parts by
taking over the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans. Robert E. Lee's army was also under constant attack
from Union general Ulysses S. Grant throughout Virginia. Finally, after Union forces invaded the Confederate capital
of Richmond, the Confederate States of America were forced to surrender on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox
Courthouse, Virginia. The war was over and the Union was preserved.
1. About how long did the Civil War last?
A.   4 years
B.   4 months
C.   2 years
D.   6 months

2. Which of the following best describes why the Civil War happened?
A.   Because anti-slavery people in the south wanted slavery abolished.
B.   Because anti-slavery people in the south did not want the government to make decisions about slavery for
them.
C.   Because pro-slavery people in the north wanted slavery abolished.
D.   Because pro-slavery people in the south did not want the government to make decisions for them about
slavery.

3. Why did the southerners want to keep slavery?

A.   They liked having people do things for them.
B.   It was important to their economy.
C.   They wanted to make the people in the north angry.
D.   They wanted to make the government angry.

4. How many states seceded from the Union? 

5. Why did Congress declare war on the Confederate States of America? 
A.   Because slavery was immoral.
B.   Because he wanted to punish the southern states.
C.   Because he wanted to keep the United States as one nation.
D.   Because he felt very sorry for the slaves.

6. What happened first?

A.   Congress declared war on the southern states.
B.   The first shots of the war were fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina
C.   1862
D.   The first state seceded from the Union.

7. What was the turning point in the Civil War?

A.   When 500,000 soldiers were killed.
B.   The Battle of Gettysburg.
 C.   The Confederate Surrender.
D.   The invasion of Richmond.

8. Which of the following is NOT true about The Civil War?

A.   More soldiers died in The Civil War than any other American war.
B.   The Confederate Army surrendered nearly 4 years after the war started.
C.   The Confederate Army was forced to surrender after both the Battle of Gettysburg and the invasion of
Richmond.
D.   The Confederate Army was forced to surrender after the Battle of Gettysburg but before the Invasion of
Richmond.

9. What does "inconclusive" mean? 

A.   Meaningless
B.   Hopeless
C.   Victorious
D.   Hard to tell

10. What happened second? 

A.   July 1, 1863
B.   The Confederates are driven back to Virginia from Gettysburg
C.   1864
D.   The invasion of Richmond.