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The Union Naval Blockade, from 1861-1865, was the Union's plan to ruin the South's economy and prevent them from trading. They had US ships around southern states/rivers to prevent imports/exports, like cotton going out and weapons coming in. These blockades had some negative impacts on other country's since they couldn't receive cotton from the south. This also kept war supplies out of Confederate hands, making them low on supplies and hurting economy, working as an advantage for the Union. -
The Battle of Fort Sumter was April 12-April 13, 1861. Cannons and guns were shot from both sides for over a day long. The Union was outnumber and under resourced, leading to Robert Anderson surrendering Fort Sumter to Confederate Forces. This battle marked the first shots and official beginning of the American Civil War, a four year bloody war. -
This was the first major land battle of the war. Union troops went to strike Confederate forces along Bull Run, a small river. At first fighting defensively, Confederate forces rallied and were able to break the Union right flank. After that, it went down hill for the Union and led to the victory of the Confederates. This win
gave the South more confidence since they were outnumbered to begin and still won. The North realized that winning these battles would be harder than anticipated. -
A US Navy officer captured two Confederate envoys aboard the Treat, the British mail ship. This greatly angered the British government; they demanded an American apology and the return of the two envoys. This event could've created a big issue between the US and Great Britain, possibly a war. -
This battle took place from April 6- April 7, 1862. The Confederates surprise attacked the unprepared Union troops. The Union fought defensively at first, but after the Confederate leader was killed, the newly appointed Confederate commander, Beauregard, was overly confident and the Union received reinforcements. After counterattacks and many casualties Beauregard retreated. This was an important victory for the Union, giving them greater control of the Mississippi River Valley. -
The bloodiest one-day battle in American military history. Union troops took the first shot on the cornfield, and exhausted Confederate troops fought back. There were 23,000 casualties and McClellan let Lee's forces walk without resistance. He felt they won since they forced them out, preventing a Confederate victory on Union soil. Thought of as a stalemate, but Union claim victory. This battle allowed Lincoln to release his Emancipation Proclamation days later and isolated Confederacy more. -
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War, to free Southern state slaves. Lincoln believed it was morally wrong to have people as property, and it could be beneficial to the Union in the war. After it was issued, thousands of slaves were freed from Confederate states in rebellion. African Americans could also now join the Union army, building their numbers against the Confederacy. This proclamation helped abolish slavery in the future. -
Dec 11-15, 1862.Shooting in the streets for hours, scaring townspeople.Groups of Union troops went across the river to take out Confederate snipers, more of the army followed the next day.Successful at first against southern flank held by Jackson, soon failed from lacking reinforcements and Jackson's powerful counterattack.Many casualties on both sides.Union leader Burnside, retreated, leaving Confederates victorious.Big defeat for the Union-lost opportunity to advance into Confederate territory -
Dec 29, 1862- July 1863. A Union plan launched against Vicksburg, Mississippi which dominated the last Confederate-controlled section of the Mississippi River. Confederacy was split into two. The Union gained almost all control of the Mississippi River. Allowed greater isolation of the Confederacy. -
April 30-May 6, 1863. Meeting on the Orange Turnpike, parts of both armies face off, Union forces pushed back, on more accounts than just this specific time. Union backup came, but pushed back across the river by Confederate forces. Hooker surprisingly retreated with his army back across the Rappahannock. General Lee was very tactical, still winning with a smaller army. The Union lost, but the death of Jackson was a big loss for the Confederates. The Union's plans to invade Richmond were ruined. -
July 1-3, 1863. Confederate division marched toward Gettysburg for supplies when being met by Union army. Confederate reinforcements over power. By the end of the 2nd night, Confederates gained land but Union also holds strong positions. Lee was overly confident, sending a undermanned division into what led to many casualties. The risk did not work in favor for Lee, leading him to retreat his army. There were more than 50,000 casualties. A big Union victory, ending many Confederate hopes. -
A speech made by President Abraham Lincoln to honor the soldiers that died fighting for the Union, in Gettysburg. He talked about the importance of their fight, and why they must continue it in this war. He spoke on preserving the nation and reinforced to the people how important equality is. This short speech, although Lincoln didn't know it at the time, would become a very famous and important speech in American history. -
A series of bloody battles in Virginia, 2 battles were the Battle of Wilderness and of Cold Harbor. This was designed to destroy The Army of Northern Virginia, Confederates, which was a success. When Grant started threatening Petersburg and Richmond, Lee's army was tied down and did not have many options to continue the war. This Union win showed the strategic change in planning. There was a high number of casualties, shocking war-weary northerners and Grant formed a "butcher" reputation. -
A successful plan by Union General Sherman. A march from Atlanta to Georgia, not to kill but to make a statement. He wanted to scare Georgia citizens into not supporting Confederacy. Sherman and his thousands of soldiers stole and destroyed/burned supplies and farms, houses, etc. Arriving to an undefended Savannah city, Union troops could do as they please. This raid hurt the South, making it impossible for them to continue fighting at full capacity and hurting morale. -
A final series of battle between March 29-April 9, 1865, which ended in the surrender of Confederate Lee's army. Union troops just about doubled the size of Lee's troops. Lee's army was also low on supplies, which were mostly captured by Union soldiers. Grant was greatly prepared for what Lee would do, and was able to plan according to push them back. Lee decided that instead of sacrificing more of his men's lives to continue fighting, he would surrender. -
Confederate General Lee had no other option but to surrender his army on April 9, 1865. Lee sent a message to Grant telling him he is willing to surrender and they met to discuss terms. This official surrender ended the bloody American Civil War.