The Arrival of the Civil War
Who was involved?
- Southern states, including Georgia, which seceded from the Union
- Political leaders such as Governor Joseph E. Brown
- Confederate officials and soldiers
- Union supporters and abolitionists
- Enslaved African Americans, whose lives were profoundly affected by the war and secession
What happened? Georgia officially seceded from the Union on January 19, 1861, becoming the fifth state to do so. The state’s decision to secede was influenced by the growing tensions over slavery, states’ rights, and the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. A secession convention was held in Milledgeville, and delegates voted overwhelmingly in favor of leaving the Union.
Where did the event take place? The decision to secede took place primarily in Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia at the time.
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
- The event took place in the Piedmont region, specifically in Milledgeville.
When did the event take place?
- Georgia's secession took place on January 19, 1861.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history? Georgia’s secession marked a significant step in the build-up to the Civil War and reflected the deep divisions in American society over the issue of slavery. It ultimately led to Georgia’s prominent role in the Confederacy, including significant battles and the impact on its economy and population, shaping the state’s history long after the war.
Unit 4 Lesson 9: The Civil War Rages On
Who was involved?
- Confederate forces and soldiers from Georgia, including Robert E. Lee and other notable military leaders
- Union soldiers and their commanders
- Civilians in Georgia, many of whom were affected by the conflict
- Enslaved people and freedmen whose lives were disrupted by the war
What happened? The Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, saw significant battles and military campaigns take place in Georgia, including the Siege of Atlanta in 1864. The state was a vital supply center for the Confederacy and became a major battleground. General William Tecumseh Sherman conducted his famous "March to the Sea," devastating Georgia's infrastructure and economy as a means of crippling the Confederate war effort.
Where did the event take place? Throughout various locations in Georgia, most notably in Atlanta, Savannah, and along the route of Sherman’s March.
When did the event take place?
- The Civil War lasted from April 12, 1861, to April 9, 1865, with significant events occurring in Georgia particularly in 1864.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history? The Civil War caused immense destruction to Georgia’s infrastructure, economy, and society. The impact of Sherman's March left a lasting legacy and changed the landscape of Georgia and its people. The war also played a crucial role in the abolition of slavery and set the stage for Reconstruction, affecting the social fabric of Georgia for generations.
Andersonville
Who was involved?
- The Confederate government, which established the prison
- Union soldiers captured during the war
- Many of the prison’s guards and administrators
- Civilians and local residents of Andersonville, Georgia
What happened? Andersonville was a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp established in 1864. Officially known as Camp Sumter, it became infamous for its overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, leading to high mortality rates due to disease, malnutrition, and exposure. Approximately 45,000 Union soldiers were imprisoned there, and nearly 13,000 died as a result of the conditions.
Where did the event take place? Andersonville, a small town in Sumter County, Georgia.
When did the event take place?
- Andersonville operated from February 1864 until the end of the Civil War in April 1865.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history? Andersonville serves as a poignant symbol of the horrors of war and the treatment of prisoners. It highlights the broader humanitarian crises faced during the Civil War and the ethical implications of military conflict. The site is now preserved as a national historic site, honoring the memory of those who suffered and died there and serving as a reminder of the war's brutality.
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