Abraham Lincoln's Impact on the Civil War

Abraham Lincoln elected President

Nov 6, 1860

Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. This created tension with the southern "slave states" becasue they knew that Lincoln was opposed to slavery.

States begin to secede from the Union

Jan 1, 1861

Slave states did not like the fact that Lincoln, a Democrat who was opposed to slavery, was elected president in 1860. States relying on slavery began to secede in 1861. South Carolina was the first to do so.

Lincoln's Inaguration

Mar 4, 1861

Abraham Lincoln gives his Inagural Address, touching on topics such as slavery and secession.

Civil War begins

Apr 12, 1861

The Confederate army attacks Union Fort Sumter; thus beginning the Civil War.

Lincoln puts his Emancipation Proclamation into affect

Jan 1, 1863

The Emancipation Proclamtion was a document written by Lincoln that gave freedom to all slaves in every "slave state."

Civil War Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3)

Jul 3, 1863

The Battle of Gettysburg is known as one of the major turning points in the Civil War, as it destroyed the Confederate's chances of advancing into the northern states.

Lincoln gives his Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863

Lincoln's Second Inagural Address

Mar 4, 1865

Lincoln gave his Second Inagural Address on this day, as he was elected back into office for a second term as president.

The Confederate Army surrenders

Apr 7, 1865

The surrender ensured a Union victory in the Civil War.

The assasination of Abraham Lincoln

Apr 14, 1865

Just a week after the end of the Civil War, Lincoln was assasinated in Ford's Theater.