how did the civil war in 1861 affect texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_in_the_American_Civil_War
The Civil War, which occurred in the United States from 1861 to 1865, had a significant impact on Texas. To understand how it affected Texas, we need to examine the context and explore different aspects of the war's influence:
1. Economic Disruption: The war disrupted Texas' economy, primarily because it heavily relied on cotton production and trade. The Union blockade of Confederate ports severely limited Texas' ability to export its cotton, resulting in a significant decline in revenue. Many plantations faced financial instability, and the Confederate government struggled to provide financial support to Texas.
2. Slavery and Emancipation: The issue of slavery was one of the main causes of the Civil War. With the Union ultimately winning the war, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate-held territories to be free. This proclamation had a profound effect on Texas, as it not only led to the liberation of enslaved individuals but also disrupted the labor-intensive cotton industry.
3. Confederate Military Contribution: Texas played a significant role in the Confederate war effort. Many Texans enlisted in the Confederate Army, with approximately 90,000 Texans serving during the war. Battles, such as the Battle of Galveston in 1863, were fought on Texas soil, and Texas soldiers fought in major campaigns, including the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Gettysburg.
4. Reconstruction and Union Control: Following the Confederate surrender, Texas, like other former Confederate states, underwent a period of Reconstruction. Union military officials oversaw the civil government, aimed at reintegrating Texas into the United States and ensuring civil rights for freed slaves. This period brought political, social, and economic changes to Texas.
Overall, the Civil War brought economic hardships, political transformation, and the abolition of slavery to Texas. Understanding these broader impacts helps to comprehend how the war shaped Texas' history during that time.