Border States in Civil War: Staying Union — Reading Comprehension

The border states—Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, and Delaware—were slave states that did not secede from the United States during the Civil War. Their decision to remain in the Union was not simple. These states faced intense pressure from both the North and the South, and their populations were deeply divided over the issue of slavery. The choice of the border states would have a major impact on the war’s outcome.

One major problem for the border states was their mixed loyalties. Many citizens owned slaves and felt ties to the South, but others maintained strong economic or cultural connections to the North. For example, Kentucky’s leaders were deeply conflicted. They wanted to stay neutral, but eventually sided with the Union after Confederate troops entered the state. This situation illustrates the complexity of their position. When Maryland’s government considered secession, President Abraham Lincoln acted swiftly to keep it in the Union because Washington, D.C., would have been surrounded by Confederate territory if Maryland left.

Leaders in the Union recognized the strategic importance of the border states. Keeping them loyal was crucial for transportation, supplies, and soldiers. As Abraham Lincoln wrote in a letter, “I think to lose Kentucky is nearly the same as to lose the whole game.” This primary source quote emphasizes the Union’s belief that the border states could determine victory or defeat. Lincoln’s administration was careful not to push these states too hard on slavery at first, fearing they might join the Confederacy if forced to choose.

People within the border states had different perspectives. Some supported the Union because they believed in keeping the country together. Others sympathized with the Confederacy and resented restrictions on slavery or federal control. There were also guerrilla fighters and violent clashes within these states, as neighbors sometimes fought on opposite sides. The contradictions of supporting the Union while allowing slavery led to tension and unrest.

Slavery was a central issue. While border states kept slavery legal during most of the war, some residents began to question the system. The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 did not apply to border states, as Lincoln hoped to avoid driving them away from the Union. However, many enslaved people in border states escaped to freedom or joined the Union army, putting pressure on local leaders to reconsider their laws. This change shows how the war forced people to rethink their values and priorities.

In the end, the border states’ loyalty provided the Union with vital resources and denied the Confederacy important advantages. The experience of the border states reveals the difficult choices and consequences of civil war. It also shows how national conflicts can divide families and communities, making history far more complicated than a simple battle between North and South.

Interesting Fact: During the Civil War, West Virginia separated from Virginia and joined the Union, becoming a new border state in 1863.

Which states were border states?

Why was Maryland important to Lincoln?

Which year did West Virginia join the Union?

Why did Lincoln avoid forcing slavery changes on border states?

What does the quote from Lincoln show?

How did the border states help the Union?

Border states were always loyal to the Union.

What does 'strategic' mean in this passage?