HIST 151 Notes
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Citi College of Commerce, Dera Ghazi Khan **We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
HIS 151
Subject
History
Date
May 9, 2024
Pages
8
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Syllabus:
Discussion boards checked twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays.
All assignments are due by
11:59pm
on the date listed
All students are required to submit a course paper on a political, ideological, social, or military aspect of
the Civil War. The paper should be
5-7 pages
in length, have a clear thesis, and use historical sources
(quoted and cited properly) to prove that thesis.
1.
How did sectionalism lead to the Civil War? Discuss the effects of Manifest Destiny,
Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850 and the Abolitionist Movement.
Ans:
Sectionalism led to the Civil War because each section of government tried to protect its
own interest, such as the South, who wanted to protect slavery because their economy depended
on it.
Manifest Destiny: This was the US's belief that they had a god given right to expand westward.
The U.S. embarked on a quest to gather all the territory it could through annexations, the
Mexican-American War, and conflicts with Native Americans over land and resources. Once the
Pacific Ocean was reached, it enabled easier trade with Asia. This aided sectionalism because as
more and more states were created out of the westward territory, the question of whether they
would enter as free or slave became the most important political topic of the time as if there were
more free states than slave states, then the free states would have more power and say in
Congress and vice versa. If the United States was going to survive as a nation of states united, it
would have to depend upon the spirit of compromise and balance within Congress. Thus, there
could never be more free than slave states, or vice versa. Therefore in order to maintain that
balance, America's leaders from both the north an south created a series of compromises that
politicians hoped would prevent the issue of slavery from disrupting the political process
:
The
Missouri Compromise of 1820, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854.
○
Missouri Compromise
: In 1819, Missouri applied to the Union as a slave state - and to
admit it as such would tip the balance of power in the Senate where the count of free and
slave states was eleven apiece.
■
The resulting compromise determined that: a balance would be maintained by
entering Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; slavery was
prohibited north of the southern boundary of Missouri and permitted south of that
line.
■
However, this could only be a temporary solution, because it did not answer the
question of how the balance would continue to be maintained. So, another
compromise was necessary.
○
Compromise of 1850:
This compromise needed to be enacted after the
Mexican-American War. The question in front of Congress was what to do with the new
territory gained from the U.S. victory in the war. The Compromise of 1850 resulted and it
consisted of six laws: admitted California to Union as a free state, divided the remaining
former Mexican holdings into two territories - New Mexico and Utah - where the question
of slavery would be left to the people - popular sovereignty; and enacted the
Fugitive
Slave Act
(northern states passed laws declaring they would not cooperate with federal
efforts to recapture escaped slaves. Northerners claimed that they could not deny
escaped slaves their legal and personal rights, while Southerners claimed that such aid
illegally infringed upon their property rights).
○
Kansas Nebraska Act of 1854.
Because the Missouri Compromise had guaranteed free
soil in the Louisiana Purchase north of the 36th parallel, southerners had blocked political
organization of that area. Stephen Douglas, who wanted to develop the west and make
Chicago the eastern terminus of a transcontinental railroad, proposed a bill that would
organize a large territory called Nebraska. To get southern support, he advocated for the
formation of two territories - Nebraska and Kansas - giving slaveholders a chance to
dominate the more southern settlement of Kansas. In passing the Act, Congress
repealed the Missouri Compromise.
However nothing could have stopped the growing differences between the Northern and
Southern states. The Northern States were against slavery as it went against the American
principles for which the American Revolution was actually fought for against the British. Hence,
the Northern states tried as much as possible to start and gain support for the Abolitionist
Movement. The Southern states were against it and also tried to spread slavery across the
nation. However, the situation got intense after Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860.
Southerners were concerned about the growth of the republicans because they realized the
Republican party had a long term vision on slavery. When the southerners realized this plan,
they knew it was a threat to their original way of life.
Abraham Lincoln's victory on the Republicans' free-soil platform in the presidential election of
1860 was accomplished without any Southern electoral votes. After a series of contested debates
about secession, most slave states voted to secede from the Union, precipitating the Civil War.
The seceded states formed the Confederate states.
●
Civil war was a conflict which in many ways created a nation
●
1861 to 1865, which corresponded with the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. The Union, or more colloquially
the North, fought against the forces of the Confederate States of America, or the South.
●
You'll notice from this map that not all the states that held slaves were part of the Confederacy. The border states of Kentucky,
Missouri, Delaware and Maryland allowed slavery and never left the United States.
●
All of these border states were critical to the Union--Maryland was north of the nation's capitol in Washington D.C.; Kentucky
controlled the Ohio River;
●
Missouri was the gateway to the West; Delaware actually wasn't that important.
●
Civil war was about slavery but historians like David Goldfield, who wrote, "Both Northerners and
Southerners recognized slavery as the immediate cause of the Civil War."
●
Also, Lincoln said in his second inaugural address, "One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves,
not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it.These slaves constituted a
peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war."
●
That said, in comments lots of people will be like, the war was about agriculture versus industry, or the
states' rights to protect themselves from the tyranny of a big federal government, but if it were REALLY about
that, the Civil War would've started during the Nullification crisis in the 1830s, when-. as I'm sure you'll
remember--Andrew Jackson said that South Carolina couldn't declare a federal tariff null in their state.Why
didn't that cause a Civil War?
●
Was the Civil War won by the United States, or lost by the Confederacy?
How did soldiers and their families perceive the reasons for going to
war, and how did those perceptions change as the war progressed?
II. Religious tension and conflict as a catalyst for civil war
A. Overview of religious diversity and division in society prior to the outbreak of civil war
B. Examples of specific religious conflicts that escalated into violence
C. Analysis of how these conflicts contributed to the overall atmosphere of tension and mistrust
Religion in the Antebellum South and North
Explore the dominant religious beliefs and practices in both regions.
Discuss the importance of religion in people's lives and its influence on their worldview.
Analyze how religious attitudes towards slavery and other moral issues varied between the North and the
South.
Religious Justifications for Slavery
Examine the theological arguments used by pro-slavery advocates in the South.
Discuss how religion was used to legitimize the institution of slavery and maintain social order.
Abolitionist Movements and Religion
Explore the religious motivations behind the abolitionist movements in the North.
Discuss prominent religious figures who played a role in advocating for the abolition of slavery.
Church Schisms and Divisions
Investigate how religious denominations responded to the issue of slavery.
Analyze the schisms within churches and religious organizations over the slavery question.
III. Religious leaders and their influence on the outbreak of civil war
A. Examination of influential religious figures who actively fueled sectarianism and promoted violence
B. Discussion on how religious leaders used their platforms to incite hatred and mobilize their followers
for warfare
C. Evaluation of the impact that these charismatic figures had on exacerbating existing tensions
D. Examine the involvement of religious leaders in the political landscape leading up to the Civil War.
E. Discuss how religious beliefs and values influenced the political positions of prominent leaders.
IV. Political exploitation of religion during times of unrest
A. Exploration of how political leaders manipulated religious sentiments for their own gain during periods
leading up to civil war
B. Analysis on how politicians strategically utilized religion as a tool to mobilize support for their
respective causes or factions
C. Examination of specific instances where political exploitation intensified already volatile situations
Case Studies
Select specific events or incidents where religion played a significant role in fueling tensions between the
North and the South.
Analyze how religious rhetoric and arguments were used to rally support for both sides.
V.Conclusion
A.Summary: Recapitulation on the extent to which religion played a role in the outbreak of civil war,
acknowledging other contributing factors.
B.Restatement: Reiterating that while religion was a key factor, it is important not to overlook other
aspects such as socio-economic disparities or political power struggles.
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C.Final thoughts: Call-to-action emphasizing the need for increased tolerance, understanding, and
dialogue among different religious groups as essential steps towards preventing future outbreaks of
violence
Other Factors Contributing to the Outbreak of Civil War = Acknowledge that while religion played a role, it
was not the sole cause of the Civil War. Discuss other major factors, such as economics, sectionalism,
and political disputes.
**1. Protestant Dominance:**
Protestant Christianity was the dominant religious tradition in the United States during
the antebellum period. Various Protestant denominations were present throughout the
country, and their influence extended into different spheres of public and private life.
**2. Evangelicalism and the Second Great Awakening:**
The early 19th century saw a religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening. It
was a broad religious movement characterized by evangelical fervor, emotional
preaching, and a focus on personal conversion and individual salvation. The Second
Great Awakening had a profound impact on American society, promoting moral reform
and encouraging participation in various social causes, including the abolitionist
movement.
**3. Regional Differences:**
Religious practices and beliefs varied significantly between the Northern and Southern
states. The North, with its greater urbanization and industrialization, saw a rise in liberal
Protestantism and an increasing number of religious sects and non-traditional religious
movements. The South, being more agrarian and rural, remained predominantly tied to
conservative, traditional Protestantism.
**4. Role of Religion in Slavery Debate:**
Religion played a crucial role in shaping the attitudes toward slavery. In the South, some
religious leaders used the Bible to defend the institution of slavery, arguing that it was
divinely sanctioned. They used biblical references to justify slavery as part of the natural
order. This pro-slavery religious sentiment was essential for maintaining the status quo
and supporting the Southern economy.
**5. Abolitionist Movements and Religion:**
In the North, religion was also a driving force behind the abolitionist movements. Many
abolitionists were motivated by their Christian faith, viewing slavery as a moral evil and
a sin. They found inspiration in biblical teachings about the dignity and equality of all
people before God. Prominent religious figures, such as Quakers and other evangelical
leaders, played leading roles in advocating for the abolition of slavery.
**6. Church Schisms and Divisions:**
The issue of slavery deeply divided religious denominations. Churches faced internal
conflicts, leading to schisms and the formation of separate Northern and Southern
branches. For example, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Baptist Church
experienced significant divisions over the issue of slavery.
**7. Political Influence of Religious Leaders:**
Religious leaders were influential figures in the political landscape leading up to the Civil
War. They used their pulpits to address political issues, and their opinions carried weight
in their communities. Some religious leaders actively supported abolitionist causes,
while others advocated for states' rights and the preservation of the Southern way of
life, including slavery.
Overall, the religious climate in the United States before the Civil War was marked by
diversity, regional differences, and the significant role that religion played in shaping
public opinion and political stances, particularly regarding the issue of slavery. It is
essential to consider these religious dynamics to gain a comprehensive understanding
of the historical context leading up to the outbreak of the Civil War.
While yes slavery was a big factor and trigger for the civil war, it was not the sole
reason. There were other significant factors such as religion that could have served as a
catalyst for the outbreak of the war mainly because throughout history religion had a big
influence on the laws that were passed the expectations set by society.
The religious demographic of America underwent significant changes before and after
the Civil War. The Antebellum period (pre-Civil War) and the Reconstruction era
(post-Civil War) brought about shifts in religious affiliations and the overall religious
landscape of the United States. Here's an overview of the religious demographics
during these periods:
**Before the Civil War (Antebellum Period):**
1. **Protestant Dominance:** Protestant Christianity was the predominant religious
tradition in the United States before the Civil War. Different denominations, such as
Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians, held sway in various regions.
2. **Religious Diversity:** Although Protestantism was the dominant religion, there was
also religious diversity. Other Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism,
Quakerism, and Unitarianism, were present, particularly in urban centers and areas with
diverse immigrant populations.
3. **Religious Revivals:** The early to mid-19th century saw religious revivals known as
the Second Great Awakening. These revivals spurred a wave of evangelical fervor and
religious enthusiasm, leading to the growth of evangelical denominations.
4. **Slavery and Religion:** Religion played a complex role in the debate over slavery.
In the South, some religious leaders used biblical interpretations to justify slavery, while
in the North, abolitionists invoked religious arguments to oppose it.
**After the Civil War (Reconstruction Era):**
1. **Continued Protestant Dominance:** Protestant Christianity remained the dominant
religious tradition in the United States after the Civil War. However, the religious
landscape continued to evolve with the emergence of new religious movements and
denominations.
2. **Growth of Catholicism:** The influx of Catholic immigrants from Europe, particularly
from Ireland and Germany, during the mid-19th century contributed to the growth of
Roman Catholicism in the United States. Catholic communities expanded in various
urban centers.
3. **African American Churches:** After the abolition of slavery, African Americans
founded their own churches and religious institutions. This led to the establishment of
prominent African American denominations, such as the African Methodist Episcopal
(AME) Church and the National Baptist Convention.
4. **Religious Pluralism:** The United States became increasingly religiously diverse
during the Reconstruction era due to immigration and religious conversions. Jewish
communities also saw growth, particularly in urban areas.
5. **Religious Tensions:** The Reconstruction era was marked by tensions between
religious groups, especially regarding issues such as race, social reform, and civil rights
for African Americans. These tensions sometimes manifested within churches and
religious organizations.
3. **Academic Article: "Religion and Civil War: A Cultural and Historical Analysis" by
Philip Jenkins (Journal of Contemporary History)**
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- In this article, Philip Jenkins explores the global history of religion's involvement in
civil wars. He examines how religious beliefs, institutions, and leaders have influenced
and been influenced by civil conflicts throughout history.
4. **Academic Article: "God in America: Why The Civil War Is Not a Theological Crisis"
by Harry S. Stout (Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation)**
- Harry S. Stout discusses how the religious context of the Civil War affected
Americans' understanding of the conflict. He argues that despite different
interpretations, the war did not lead to a theological crisis in American society.
5. **Book: "The God of War: A Study in the Experience of War and Religion" by John W.
Masland**
- This book delves into the religious experiences of soldiers during the Civil War. It
examines how religious faith influenced their thoughts, actions, and coping mechanisms
in the face of the harrowing realities of war.
6. **Academic Article: "Religious Rhetoric and the Debate over Slavery: 1846-1860" by
Mitchell Snay (Civil War History)**
- This article explores how religious rhetoric and language were used by both
pro-slavery and abolitionist advocates during the pre-Civil War era to frame their
arguments and bolster their positions.
7. **Book: "Upon the Altar of the Nation: A Moral History of the Civil War" by Harry S.
Stout**
- Harry S. Stout presents a moral and religious analysis of the Civil War. He discusses
how different religious perspectives influenced the perceptions of the war's
righteousness and its consequences.
These research works provide valuable insights into the role of religion in shaping the
American Civil War and its impact on society, politics, and culture.
To end the
The lyrics by Julia Ward Howe of the hymn known as the Battle Hymn
of the Republic neatly sum it up: "As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men
free."
Harlow, Luke. "God's Almost Chosen Peoples: A Religious History of the American Civil War."
LSU
Digital Commons
, digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cwbr/vol13/iss1/17/. Accessed 20 July 2023.
Manning, Chandra. "Faith and Works: A Historiographical Review of Religion in the Civil War Era."
The Journal of Civil War Era
, vol. 10, no. 3, Sept. 2020, pp. 373+.
Gale Academic OneFile
,
link.gale.com/apps/doc/A632854292/AONE?u=cuny_hunter&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=681ae96f.
Accessed 20 July 2023.
Punzi, Alyson J. "A Religious Interpretation of the American Civil War as Evidenced by Biblical
Language in Songs and Hymns."
DigitalCommons@Cedarville
,
digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/channels/vol4/iss1/3/. Accessed 20 July 2023.
Ritchie, Daniel. "War, Religion and Anti-Slavery Ideology: Isaac Nelson's Radical Abolitionist
Examination of the American Civil War." Historical Research : the Bulletin of the Institute of Historical
Research, vol. 89, no. 246, 2016, pp. 799-823, https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2281.12134.
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