4.2 Major battles and home front experiences

Alabama faced major battles and home front challenges during the Civil War. The Battle of Mobile Bay and Union raids devastated Confederate defenses and infrastructure. Meanwhile, economic hardships and shortages gripped the state.

The war strained Alabama society, leading to increased slave resistance and Unionist sentiment in some areas. Women took on new roles, challenging traditional gender norms as they managed farms and organized support for troops.

Major Battles

Battle of Mobile Bay

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• Fought on August 5, 1864 between Union Navy led by Admiral David Farragut and Confederate forces defending Mobile Bay
• Farragut's fleet successfully passed Confederate forts Gaines and Morgan guarding entrance to bay
• During battle, Farragut famously ordered "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" when one of his ships struck a mine (torpedoes)
• Union victory led to capture of last major Confederate port on Gulf Coast, tightening Union blockade
• Confederate ironclad CSS Tennessee heavily damaged and surrendered, leaving bay in Union control

Union Raids in Alabama

• Battle of Selma fought on April 2, 1865 as part of Union General James H. Wilson's raid through Alabama and Georgia
• Wilson's cavalry force of 13,500 men captured Selma, destroying its ironworks and arsenal critical to Confederate war effort
• Raid continued eastward, capturing Montgomery, Columbus (Georgia), and West Point before news of Lee's surrender at Appomattox
• Wilson's Raid dealt significant blow to Confederate infrastructure and manufacturing in Alabama, accelerating end of war

Home Front Challenges

Economic Hardships

• Salt production became critical home front industry due to Union blockade limiting salt imports
• Many saltworks established along Gulf Coast, with state government overseeing production and distribution
• Shortages of food, clothing, and other basic goods became widespread as war progressed
• Inflation caused prices to skyrocket, with Confederate currency becoming nearly worthless by war's end (bottles of milk $15)

Resistance to Confederate Authority

• Slave resistance increased as Union troops advanced into Alabama, with many slaves running away to join Union lines
• Some slaves engaged in work slowdowns, sabotage, or outright rebellion against masters
• Unionism remained strong in North Alabama throughout the war, with many residents resisting Confederate conscription and taxes
• "Tories" or Union loyalists faced harassment, violence, and property confiscation from Confederate authorities and supporters

Divided Loyalties

Changing Gender Roles

• With many men away at war, women took on new roles managing farms, plantations and businesses
• Women organized fundraisers and relief societies to support Confederate troops (sewing circles, bake sales)
• Some women served as nurses in military hospitals or even disguised themselves as men to fight in combat
• Hardships of war and changing social dynamics challenged traditional gender norms and family structures

Unionism in North Alabama

• North Alabama had smaller slave population and more economic ties to North compared to other regions of state
• Many residents, especially small farmers, opposed secession and remained loyal to Union throughout the war
• "Tories" assisted Union troops, served as guides and spies, and fought against Confederate forces in irregular warfare
• Region became refuge for deserters and draft dodgers, leading to violent conflicts with Confederate authorities trying to enforce conscription