In 1860, the North had virtually unlimited credit, over 80% of deposits, and the bulk of industrial power while the south was poor and relied on slavery. Americans have instituted slavery for 240 years, more than half of the country’s existence.
The Civil War began at Fort Sumpter in Charleston, SC when President James Buchanan sent a supply ship Star of the West to reinforce the garrison, but it was fired upon and turned back. Many criticize Buchanan for not doing more when South Carolina declared secession.
The first Medal of Honor was approved by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 and awarded in 1863. Over 1,200 were awarded during the war. But among the gallantry was a huge cost in human lives and injury. The downstairs gallery shows the rudimentary medical procedures used to saw off limbs and treat diseases.
About one in four soldiers died and one in eight survived with wounds. The number of dead American soldiers from the Civil War still outnumbers all other American wars combined. Lincoln visited the Confederate White House after winning the war and was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of slaves who thank him for their freedom.
0 Comments