Preview of the Civil War

About

This video explores Texas’ pivotal role in the Civil War, challenging common misconceptions about its significance. Learn how Texas supported the Confederacy in several key ways during the Civil War.

Introduction

Many people believe that because no major battles happened in Texas that the state was not important to the Civil War, but that is simply not true. Texas played several key roles in supporting the Confederacy that prolonged the war.

Content Highlights

• Gain insights into Texas’ significant role in the Civil War.
• Explore how Texas supported the Confederacy by sending not only soldiers but also crucial supplies to the Confederate armies.
• Understand the unique advantage Texas had in maintaining cotton and corn production during the war.
• Learn about Texas’ strategic location, which allowed it to bypass the Union blockade by trading with Mexico.
• Discover how Texas became a haven for hiding enslaved people as Union armies marched across the Confederacy, leading to a substantial increase in the African-American population.
• Reflect on the impact of General Gordon Granger’s arrival in Galveston in 1865, announcing the end of slavery in Texas.

Historical Context

Texas seceded from the United States in February 1861 and then joined the newly formed Confederacy. Texas then played a key role in supporting the Confederate war effort during the four years that followed by sending men and supplies into the armies, by breaking the Union blockade against cotton shipments, and by serving as a point of refuge for Confederates from other states.

Challenges and Conflicts

Texas aided the Confederate cause by supplying not only troops but also vital provisions when resources grew scarce for the Confederacy. Texas had an advantage of being untouched by full-scale Union invasion, and its role in maintaining cotton and corn production.

Educational Significance

This video serves as an essential educational resource, shedding light on the multifaceted role of Texas in the Civil War. It prompts critical thinking about the state’s contributions and the broader implications of the conflict.

Conclusion

With the war coming to an end, Texas never had any major battles within its borders. However, it did become a large symbol by marking the end of the war and the surrender of the Confederacy with the announcement of freedom to all slaves, made by General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865. This made around 230,000 previously enslaved people free and was supposed to give them the chance to live independently.

Short on Time?

Since it was not the site of any major battles during the Civil War, many believe that Texas did not have much of a role in the war. However, Texas acted as a supplier for the Confederacy, allowed the Confederate states to break through the Union blockade against cotton shipments, and served as a point of refuge for Confederates from other states. Once the war was over, General Gordon Granger announced the freedom of all slaves on June 19, 1865, a date that is now celebrated as Juneteenth throughout the United States.