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A few weeks after the start of the war, the Union attempts to prevent any goods and weaponry from entering the southern states. They decided to send the Union Navy to the South and block their major ports and large ships. As a result, the blockade was successful. This was significant because it hurt the South's economy, which made it harder to recover from the war. -
At Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln planned to send food to the beleaguered garrisons. Because of this, the Confederate army decided to open fire at the Union in the army. Since the Confederates had more supplies, the Union had to surrender after 33 hours of battle. This battle was significant because it marks the start of the American Civil War. -
Union General McDowell planned to attack the Confederates at Bull Run. Both of the armies were too inexperienced, which made it difficult to communicate and execute plans. Despite the challenge, the Union was able to hold off the Confederates due to having a bigger army. In the end, however, the Confederates were able to send in reinforcements, which led them to win the war. This was significant because it made both of the teams realize that this battle was going to be a long and horrible war. -
U.S. Navy Officer, Charles Wilkes, captured two Confederate envoys coming onto the British ship. This upset Great Britain and accused the Union for violating neutrality. This caused a crisis between Great Britain and the Union. Eventually, the U.S. freed the envoys to keep neutrality. This was significant because it confirmed that the British were keeping the position of neutrality throughout the war -
Before the battle, Union General Grant had captured Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, which secured Kentucky and forced Confederates to retreat. Because of this, the Confederates decide to plan a surprise attack on the Union. At first, the Confederates were on the path of winning, but the Union were able to grab reinforcements that confirmed their win. This was significant because it gave the Union more control of the Mississippi and it gave the Union confidence that they can win the war. -
As the Confederates enter Maryland, General Lee attempts to invade the North. However, the Union attacks the Confederates on their left, which started the war. The Confederate army was able to hold their ground. Eventually, the Confederate army retreats and goes back to Virginia. This was significant because it proved to the Union that they can beat the Confederate Army and it gave Lincoln the confidence to begin writing the Emancipation Proclamation. -
This document allowed enslaved African Americans to be set free. It also allowed black men to serve in the army. Lincoln waited until there was a major victory to get full support in the passing of this document. This was significant because it changed the course of the Civil War to becoming a war for freedom. It also strengthened the Union politically and militarily. -
General Burnside decided to launch a major attack against the Confederates in Virginia. However, the Confederates were already there weeks before the Union arrived. Because of this, the Confederates were already prepared for the surprise attack that was planned. As a result, the Union lost and Confederates won. This was significant because it became a low-point for the Union and slowly made them lose confidence. it also had a very high casualty rate. -
Union General Hooker planned to lead a surprise attack on Lee's army in Virginia. At first, it started to go well for the Union army, however, Lee decided to attack the Union army at Chancellorsville. The Confederate army also split themselves in half to attack from different angles. This lead to the defeat of the Union army and were forced to retreat. This was significant because it weakened the Confederate army and it gave Confederates the confidence to win. -
At this battle, General Grant waged a campaign to take Vicksburg, Mississippi from the Confederates. It was a critical supply line for trade. In a span of three weeks, Grant's army was able to win five battles within the campaign and capture thousands of prisoners. As a result, the Union won this battle. This was significant because it gave the Union their confidence back and gave control of the Mississippi River to the Union. -
General Lee invaded the North and planned an attack on the Union. It lasted for three days. On the last day, the Confederate army lead a full fledge attack onto the Union army. The Union, however, won the battle and stopped Lee's invasion into the North. This is significant because it marks the turning point of the war in favor for the North and it inspired Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. -
After one of the most deadliest battle, the Battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln gave his remarks at the ceremony. He explains the importance of human equality, nation's Declaration of Independence, and how the Civil War was test on whether the United States can survive. It is significant because it introduces a new viewpoint of the United States and reinstated the nation's ideals for freedom. -
Grant planned to capture Lee's army and take over the Confederate capital, Richmond, VA. He began putting 115,000 man force in front the river. The Confederates decided to attack them from the side. Eventually, the Union won the battles against the Confederacy. This was significant because it was one of the bloodiest campaign and it weakened the Confederate army. -
Union General Sherman led thousands of soldiers to Georgia to scare the Georgian population abandon the war. By doing this, they were able to capture Atlanta, which was one of the industrial centers for the Confederacy. They also raided farms and plantations to destroy their supplies. Then, they burned their way through South Carolina. This resulted in a win for the Union. This was significant because it helped lead to the Confederacy's eventual surrender. -
In the final campaign of the war, General Grant and his troops began moving against the Confederate trenches, which forced Lee's army to move out west. Lee eventually was forced to surrender when Grant threatened to cut Lee's escape route. This was significant because it marks the end of the Civil War. -
At the Appomattox Court House, General Lee officially surrenders to the Union. He surrendered because the Confederacy was forced to abandon the Confederate capital and he was blocked from joining the rest of the army. This was significant because it ends the American Civil War in the victory of the Union