Sofia's Top Ten: Civil War by Sofia Chacon

1854 - Kansas-Nebraska Act

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-06 16:00:55 UTC

The Kansas Nebraskaa Act allowed new states to decide whether slavery would be allowed or prohibited. This led to pro-slavery and anti-slavery violence in Kansas leading to the loss of around 200 human lives. Hence the nickname "Bleeding Kanas". I chose this event due to its social connection to how it effected the people. This event started brewing the civil war due to the fact that it now created tension and hatred on both sides. This was no longer a verbal disagreement between two opposing views; this had now taken a violent physical turn. Now drastically heightening hostility between both parties.

1857 - Dred Scotts Decision

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-06 17:16:57 UTC

Dred Scott was an enslaved African American that attempted to sue the government for his freedom. The supreme court quickly overruled this argument stating that slaves of the country were not citizens; but property. This quickly escalated to Congress realizing they coulldnt abolish slavery in the states. In my views this event held high political and social impact to fueling the Civil War due to the public outrage this case caused. Northeners who had previously been indifferent to slavery now became more vocal in their opposition. Fearing that this decision would allow slavery to expand into new territories and states. In the political aspect the views of slavery expanding, lead to increased polarization between both sides. That ultimately contributed to the secession of the southern states.

1860 - The Election of Abraham Lincoln

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:08:18 UTC

The election of Abraham Lincoln sparked what can be known as the last straw for the Southern States. The south didn't recognize Lincoln as their president when he was elected; due to the fact that he wanted to abolish slavery in all states. Leading to what I think was a huge impact to the country as a whole, having a political and economic outcome. Radicalized political and economic hardships were through the roof as many Southern states couldn't withstand the reality of slavery being taken away from them. Ultimateltly leading to the south pulling away from the United States and forming the Confederacy of the United States. Having an obvious impact on how both sides had two very different political views on where they stand on slavery. Causing both sides to have economic challenges as a result from the nation seperating into two.

Early 1860 - Minie Ball

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:08:58 UTC

The Minie Ball was a new groundbreaking bullet invention that was highly deadly. This new kind of bullet allowed for guns to now have a stabalizited spin for better accuracy and range. Along with the bullets being much lighter making them easier to reload on the front lines. In my opinion this was exceptionally remarkable during the Civil War both technologically and economically. It had a technological impact because this never before seen bullet changed the game of the Civil War. Leading to many war strategies being altered to fit the new battle technology. Economically the Minie Ball favored the Union's industrial strenght. The Unions ability to leverage their industrial strenght to produce more ammunition gave them an advantage in prolonged engagements on the battlefield.

1863-1865 - Railroads

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:09:34 UTC

As the Civil War was taking place the Unions railroads were rapdily expanding throughout the land. The Unions extensive railroad network allowed them to move troops and supplies more efficiently than the Confederacy. Having a strong technological and economical impact. The new technology of the railroads fueled the Civil War in favor of the Union due to the fact this new technology allowed them to respond quickly to Confederate movements. While maintaining a stronger defensive/offensive position. Economically the Norths Control of the railroads highlighted their industrial superiority which was a critical factor in their ability to sustain a long and costly war.

1865 - 1872 - Freedmens Bureau

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:10:08 UTC

The Freedmen's Bureau had a profound social impact during Reconstruction by reuniting families, providing essential support like food and medical care, while also promoting education through the establishment of schools. These efforts helped African Americans rebuild their lives and communities. Promoting social stability in a chaotic post-war environmeny. By addressing immediate needs, the Bureau laid the groundwork for future social progress and empowerment. Economically, it helped African Americans find employment and negotiate labor contracts. The bureau's efforts also had a political impact by promoting citizenship and voting rights.

1865-1870 - Reconstructing the 13,14 and 15 amendment

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:10:49 UTC

The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, known as the Reconstruction Amendments aimed to establish equality and rights for African Americans after the Civil War. The 13th Amendmentt abolished slavery. The 14 amendment granted citizenship and equal protection. While the 15 amendment protected voting rights. In my opinion these amendments had a significant social and political impact because it allowed African Americans to participate in politics like holding office. These amendments are socially significant as they aimed to establish fundamental rights and equality for African Americans. They challenged racist norms and promoted a more inclusive environment.

1865- Ku Klux Klan

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:11:16 UTC

During reconstruction; after slavery was abolished many white supremecist could not withstand the fact that they were now "equal" to African Americas according to the law. The south had created an ideology that if African Americans were equal in a court of law; they wouldn't be seen as equal in public. Leading to these believes forming what is known as the Ku Klux Klan. The KKK impacted the country socially as their violence and imitations directly undermined Reconstruction, by suppressing African American voting, intimidating educators and students. Creating a climate of fear that allowed white supremacist state governments to pass discriminatory laws, effeciently rolling back many Recontruction gains.

1876 - The corrupt Bargain

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-07 17:12:09 UTC

The Corrupt Bargain of 1876 was an informal deal that awarded Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency in exchange for withdrawing federal troops from the south. This withdrawal effectively ended reconstruction heavily impacting it socially and politically because it now allowed Democrafts to regain control of southern state governments. As a results, white supremacist groups were able to intimidate and disempowered African Americans undermining the social progress made during Reconstruction. The deal marked a significant turning point in American history. Leading to the erosion of African American rights and the rise of Jim Crow Laws. The end of Reconstruction paved the way for decades of racial segregation and inequality in the south.

1863 - The Battle Of Vicksburg

sofia_chacon — 2025-10-08 02:58:51 UTC

The Siege of Vicksburg was a remarkable battle due to the weight Vicksburg really carried. Vicksburg was crucial for both the Union and the Confederacy because it controlled access to the Mississippi River. A vital transportation route that the Confederacy used to transport supply to fuel the war on their side. Making it too valuable to fall into the hands of their enemy. In my judgement the battle of Vicksburg caused a huge polical issue for the Confederacy as their loss of this battle forced them to loose control of the River. Now splitting their country into two parts. Disabling them to efficiently transport materials to their fellow allies in battle; now changing the tide of the war to favor the Union. As the Confederacy was now falling apart geographically.