-
Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions Written
THE VIRGINIA & KENTUCKY RESOLUTIONThese were resolutions written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, passed in opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were four bills created by the Federalists. These acts had been created to declare that the states had the right and the duty to declare unconstitutional acts of Congress. The Kentucky Resolutions argued that each individual state has the power to declare that federal laws are unconstitutional and if so nullification is needed. The Virginia Resolutions express the idea -
Hartford Convention Meets During War of 1812
The "Hartford Convention"This was a meeting of representatives from the states in New England in Hartford, Connecticut to discuss the problems of New England in the war of 1812. The war began, because New England Federalists had opposed the Embargo Act of 1807 and other government actions. All of these meetings were held in secret. The final result was constitutional amendments were proposed, and the Federalist Party lost its prestige forever. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri CompromiseThe Missouri Compromise was a compromise between the north and south of the United States that resulted in the south gaining the state of Missouri which was pro-slavery, and the north got to create the state of Maine out of territory already belonging to the north. This resulted in representative from 12 anti-states in the senate and representative from 12 slave states. This compromise, however; split the US at the 36 30 line, and left unorganized territory in the north slave free, so all the -
Tariff of Abominations Passed
The Tariff of AbominationsThe US Congress passed the first import tariff or tax, on this day. This tariff increased the cost of all imported goods, and therefore it helped to protect many of the new industries created in the North. In the South, however, the economy was based on the exportation of cotton and they became worried that the British would stop buying their cotton due to the high prices produced by this tariff. Due to the hatred for this tariff, it became known as the "Tariff of Abominations". -
South Carolina Tries to Nullify
Nullification CrisisSouth Carolina had attempted to nullify after tariffs were passed by the National Government. Since they were a mostly agricultural state, the new importation tax was going to hurt their economy. When South Carolina was going to nullify, Henry Clay created another compromise that fixed the tariff which South Carolina approved of. As a result, South Ca -
Abolition of Slavery Act (1833)
Slavery Abolition Act 1833This Act was an Act that the Parliament of the United Kingdom that outlawed slavery in much of the British Empire. This act stated that all slaves under the age of 6 should be freed, and all older than 6 shall be apprentices. This act also stated that the government would pay everyone who had slaves. Eventually, however this act was appealed, but this did not make slave -
Texas Declares Independence From Mexico
Texas declares independence from MexicoOn this day Texas declared its independence from Mexico, and thus became the republic of Texas. The reason for Texas declaring this independence was, more and more US citizens began to settle in Texas. The Mexican president, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, tried to prevent all US citizens from settling in Texas and as a result Texas decided to declare their independence. Texas was its own republic for about 10 years but eventually it became the 28th states of the United States. -
James Polk Elected
JAMES KNOX POLKJames Polk, who was known as the “dark horse” candidate was the eleventh president, and although he only served one term, he added a lot of new land to the United States. He helped to provoke a war with Mexico by putting troop in disputed territory, and then convincing Congress to join the war. The Americans defeated the Mexican’s and gained control of half of Mexico’s land making up the states of New Mexico, California, and Texas. This then caused the conflict of whether or not they should be s -
Mexican War
The Mexican WarThis is a war between the United States and Mexico over Mexican territory, which was sparked by James Polk putting troops in disputed land located in Texas. The end result was Mexico lost half of their land to the US, and they were only paid half as much as the previous offer before the war began. The Mexican war only lasted two years, but the end results caused a controversy in the US congress after the signing of -
Wilmot Proviso
Wilmot's ProvisoThis was a proposition made by David Wilmot, a representative from Pennsylvania stating that slavery will not exist in the newly gained territory from the Mexican War. This day was the first time David proposed, only a few months into the war, a plan for afterwards. This proposition was passed in the House of Representatives, because the north had more representatives, but it was never passed in Congress since the north and south -
California Enters the Union
California Admission DayCalifornia was added to the United States as a free state, giving the north one more state than the south, and also becoming the 31st state to be added. Since the Missouri Compromise had cut the state of California in half, this caused some controversy on whether it should be a slave state or not. Henry Clay worked out a new Compromise, however that allowed California to become a free state, and stated that Washington DC could no longer trade slaves, and New Mexico and Utah could decide whethe -
Fugitive Slave Law Enacted
Fugitive Slave Act The Fugitive Slave Law was a part of the group of laws known as the “Compromise of 1850” that allowed California to be a free state. This law stated that the northerners could no longer help the slaves escape from the south, and if they saw a slave that escaped then they had to report him/her. This was one of the most controversial acts in the Compromise. Many slaves that had previously escaped from the south fle -
Publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe — Uncle Tom's CabinIn just one year 300,000 copies of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe were sold in the United States alone, and the presses were on 24 hour schedules. This book is based on events that Stowe has witnessed while living in Cincinnati, watching actual slaves escape, and be sold. This book horrified the north, now that they knew what the southerners were doing to the slaves. On the other hand -
Formation of Republican Party
The Origins of the Republican PartyThe Republican Party formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Anti-slavery Whigs in the northern part of the United States met in Wisconsin on this day which is when then Republican party was founded. Republicans did not want to spread slavery, but this was based mainly on economic concerns not moral concerns. The Republican’s representative in running for president was Abraham Lincoln and he won t -
Kansas Nebraska Act Passed
Kansas-Nebraska Act Both Kansas and Nebraska were important areas for growing corn, wheat, and other crops, therefore many people began to migrate there. Stephen Douglas announced the Kansas-Nebraska Act which stated that these states could enter the union with or without slavery. The result of this act was floods of pro-slavery and anti-slavery people movie into these states in order to try and get the majo -
Charles Sumner Attacked
Canefight! Preston Brooks and Charles SumnerCharles Sumner was a Senator for Massachusetts, and on this day a congressman from South Carolina, Preston Brooks beat him with a cane mercilessly. The people in the south honored Brooks for this action, but the northerners were outraged. The reason for him doing this was Brooks believed that Sumner had gone too far in his speech, and was insulting his home state, South Carolina. Preston Brooks had continued to beat Charles until he was restrained and Charles unfortunately never fully recovered. -
Pottawatomie Creek
Pottawatomie MassacreThe Pottawatomie Creek was located in Franklin County, Kansas, a state that had a lot of difficulty with disagreements on whether or not it should be an anti-slavery or pro-slavery state. John Brown, an anti-slavery man purposefully made himself known in Kansas. On the night of May 24, 1856, he and his four sons killed 5 pro-slavery men; the men killed were James P. Doyle and his two sons (William and -
“Border Ruffians” attack Lawrence
The Sack of LawrenceLawrence was located in Kansas, and was at the center of the Kansas anti-slave campaign. This town fought against the pro-slavery people strongly, and there was an election dispute over whether there would be a democrat (pro-slavery) or republican (anti-slavery) government in Canada. On this day, over 800 pro-slavery men marched in to attack the city of Lawrence and destroyed printing presses, newspaper stands, and even the Free State hotel. This attack led to even more tension, and the argument -
Dred Scott Decision Announced
Dred Scott's fight for freedom Dred Scott was a slave living in America, which attempted to sue for his freedom. After having his case heard by many courts, it was brought to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court decided that all African Americans could not become citizens, and also could not sue in a federal court. In addition, the court said that the federal government did not have the power to say which states were slave states and which were free states. Scott ended up being a slave, but this announcement led to the elect -
Lecompton Constitution
Lecompton ConstitutionThe Lecompton Constitution was written by proslavery men, and was the second constitution drafted for the Kansas territory. This Constitution allowed slavery, and didn’t allow free blacks to live in Kansas. Proslavery men were led by James Buchanan who attempted to push the Cons -
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
The Lincoln-Douglas Debates The Lincoln-Douglas Debates were a series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in various places in Illinois. Douglas had helped enact the Compromise to 1850, and supported Popular Sovereignty, Lincoln at the time wasn’t really known. These debates drew the attention of all of America. Although Abraham lost to Douglas for the Senate seat, these debates brought Abraham into the spotlight and in 1860 he won the presidential election. -
Raid at Harpers Ferry
John Brown and the Harpers Ferry RaidOn this day John Brown and several other abolitionists seized armor and weapons at Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. John Brown had hoped that the local slaves would join in and rebel against their masters, however they did not, and in fact the townspeople began to shoot at the raiders. The raid proved unsuccessful since they were all killed or received the death penalty. The northerners then used this evidence to prove that the government supported slavery. This gave them another reason on why t -
Democrats Split in 1860
The Political PartiesFor many years the Democrats had been joined together behind the belief of popular sovereignty. In 1860, however the democrat party was split along the north and south boundary lines. This separation leads to two different candidates for the presidential election of 1860 for the democrat party. The northern democrats supported Stephen A. Douglas, and the southerners supported John C. Breckinridge. Despite the two different democrat candidates Abraham Lincoln, a republican candidate won the elec -
Formation of Constitutional Union Party
Constitutional Union PartyThe Constitutional Union Party was a political party that only existed for a short amount of time, since I was specifically created for the election of 1860. The Constitutional party elected John Bell as their president and Edward Everett for vice president. Their candidate was behind Abraham Lincoln and both of the Democrat candidates only receiving 12.6% of the popular votes. When the Civil War began the political party was “discontinued”. -
Election of 1860
The Election of 1860The biggest issue during the presidential election of 1860 was slavery. The candidates had to make sure that in their campaign they pleased both the pro-slave and anti-slave states. The main candidates in this election were, Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, John Bell, and John Breckinridge. Abraham Lincoln won the election making him the 16th president of the United States. He then went on to improving the country and the lives of all slaves. -
South Carolina Secedes
Secession Crisis After the presidential election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, there was a secession crisis in the southern region of America. Nearly all southerners hated Lincoln, because he was against slavery. South Carolina was the first state to secede from the nation, and become an independent nation. This resulted in many other southern states following their lead, and also seceding. Although Lincoln refused to acknowledge the fact that they had actually left the United States, this led to the Civil War. -
Abraham Lincoln Inaugurated
Abraham Lincoln's First InaugurationAbraham Lincoln gave his first Inaugural Address shortly after he was elected as president. Within this speech he talked about the secession that was occuring in the nation. He states that the southern states have not left the union as they think they have, since both parties have to agree to this which the north does not. He also talks about his duties as a president such as keeping the peace. This speech includes Lincoln's beliefs which is follows all trhoughout the Civil War. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
Fort SumterAt 4:30 in the morning on this day the Confederates attack Fort Sumter which was located in Charlestown, which was the first battle of the bloodiest war in American history, the Civil War. However, the battle only lasted 34 hours, and the only casualty was a Confederate horse. Eventually the Union soldiers surrendered, leaving the people in the Union ready to get revenge and ready for the ineveitable war. -
Virginia Secedes
Virginia's Secession from the UnionVirginia did not secede from the nation until the war between the north and the south had already started. This was a very important state since it was right on the border on the north and south, and was a combination of both regions culturally and economically. The choice Virginia led Lincoln to say, "was the most remarkable-perhaps the most important." -
Rober E. Lee Surrenders Commission
TIME LINE:On this day Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the US navy, and states, "I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children." After this he moves to Virginia, and is offered to command the military foces there and accepts. Him accepting it was a huge gain for the Confederate army, since he led them to many victories. However, the Union forces were still able to win the war in the end. -
1st Battle of Bull Run
The Battle of Bull RunThe first battle of Bull Run is also known as the battle of Manassas. This battle was fought in Virginia not far from Washington DC, and the Union soldiers went into the battle confident that they would win. What they didn't know, was the Confederate troops were ready since a spy, Greenhow, that had warned their General what the Union's plans were. In the end the Union troops retreated, and knew this was not going to be the quick war they were predicting. -
Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimac
The Monitor and The MerrimacThis battle is also known as the Battle of Hampton Roads. It is significant, because it was a naval battle between the first two iron clad ships. The CSS Virginia (confederate ironclad) first was destroying Union wooden ships, but on the second day of the battle it met its match with the Monitor. The iron-clads used in this battle resulted in others being used in future wars. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh The battle of Shiloh was one of the most costly and tragic battles in the Civil War. On this day the Union army was surprised attacked by the Confederates led by General Johnson. At first a Union defeat seemed inevitable but after reinforcements, they were able to regain some control. In the end there were over 25,000 casualties or death combined. -
McClellan Returns to Washington after the Peninsula Campaign
The Peninsula CampaignThe Peninsula Campaign was faught during the spring and summer of 1862, led by General McClellan attempting to capture Richmond, the Confederate Capital. He was unsuccessful, since he began a siege rather than an attack giving the Confederates time to set up their troops to attack. Also Lee took Johnson's place at the commander of Confederate troops. The ultimate result of this war was it did not end, and made both sides want to keep fighting for their cause. -
2nd Battle of Bull Run
Second Battle of Bull Run/ ManassasThis battle was one of the most important Confederate victories in the Civil War, even though in the end they lost the war. Pope (leader oft the Union troops) had decided it was necessary to retreat on the second night of the battle, so his troops left, and Lee's troops did not pursue. This was the second Confederate Bull Run victory. -
Battle of Antietam
Antietam, BATTLE OFAfter the Battle of Harper's Ferry Robert Lee decided to withdraw his troops, however he ended up being forced to fight McClellan's forces. McClellan was very catious at first, believing that they were outnumbered. After he did attack though, both sides held strong for the 12 hour battle. However, Lee's retreat which began this battle gave Lincoln the opportunity for his Emancipation Proclamation. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of FredericksburgThis battle, fought in Fredericksburg was the Civil War's first urban combat, and was also one of the more deadlier battles of the war. It was also the largest combat with a total of 200,000 soldiers. This battle was a confederate victory whose troops were led by Robert E. Lee. A few weeks after the battle, Abraham Lincoln removed the Union commander of this battle, Burnside, from command of the army of the Potomac. -
The Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of ChancellorsvilleThis battle took place in Spotsylvania County, Virginia and is considered to be another Confederate victory, and in fact one of Robert E. Lee's most impressive victories. In this battle alone 30,000 Americans were either killed, captured, or wounded. The Confederates lost Thomas Jackson in this battle who was a very important commander, and this greatly affected the future of the war for them. -
Emancipation Proclamation Takes Effect
Emancipation ProclamationThe Emancipation Proclamation was a proclamation given by president Abraham Lincoln. Within this he states that all slaves in the states that have seceded shall be freed, but those in states that are still with the Union shall be allowed to be kept slaves. Also in this he states that African Americans can fight in the war, giving the north another advantage, since all blacks that have the ability will choose to fight as part of the Union. Additionally it changed the main goal of the Civil War. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Day # 1 at Gettysburg...This was one of the largest and most crucial battle of the Civil War, yet it only lasted 3 days. On the first day Lee's Confederate troops met a group of Union soldiers, and the battle began. Despite their best efforts it was impossible for the Confederates to break through the Union's fish hook defensive line. It ended in a Union victory and it was a very bad loss for the Confederates who had lost more than 1/2 of the soldiers who had fought in this battle. -
Surrender at Vicksburg
Surrender of VicksburgThis battle took place in Waren County, Mississippi and on this day the Confederates surrendered to the Union forces. After a 47 day seige, Confederate General Pemberton decided to surrender to Union General Grant. In the end the Gilbralta Strait was no more, and the south was cut in half. -
Battle of Fort Wagner
Battle of Fort WagnerThe battle of Fort Wagner was a Confederate victory, since the Union soldiers were never able to capture the fort despite the fact that is was then abandoned a few months later. The reason this battle was so important though, was because of the 54th Massachusetts regiment. This was made of black soldiers fighting for the north. This battle declared that it was not longer just white men fighting, black men were too. And also it changed the war to officially being the fight for their freedom. -
Lincoln Delivers Gettysburg Address
Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln was the second speaker at Gettysburg after Edward Emmett. Lincoln speech was less than two minutes, yet it summed up everything and more than what Emmett had said in two hours. It became one of the most memorbale speeches in American history as he talked about how the nation needs to stay together even in tough times. -
Grant Displays Fighting Style at Cold Harbor
Battle of Cold Harbor: The Folly and HorrorThe battle of Cold Harbor was command by Union General Ulysses S. Grant, and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. This battle resulted as a Confederate victory, despite the 7 mile front the Union had built. This attack was the one regret Grant had during the Civil War. -
Atlanta Burns to the Ground
GENERAL SHERMAN'S ATROCITIES AND WAR CRIMES The Union General Sherman had ordered his troops to burn Atlanta to the ground as they had passed through it on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. They had taken all recources they needed, and then burned everything else, so the civilians living there could not use anything, and life could not be sustained. -
Sherman Set out for the Sea
War Approaches the Heart of South Carolina Sherman was a Union general who led his troops on a march through many of the southern states.To begin his march he left behind all disabled or weak men behind to make sure they would not be slowed down. This march greatly effected the south ability to fight, since Sherman's troops marched through the important economic towns and destroyed many of them. -
Sherman Reaches Savannah
Sherman at SavannahAt the end of General Sherman's march he reached Savannah, Georgia, and Mayor Richard Arnold surrendered almost immediately. Sherman then telegraphed president Lincoln the next day and offered him the city of Savannah and 25,000 bales of cotton as a Christmas present. As a result of the march the southerners were greatly shaken, due to the fact they had not been able to defend their homes, and all survial needs had been destroyed. -
Lincoln Delivers 2nd Inaugural Address
Abraham Lincoln's Second InaugurationOn this day Abraham Lincoln after being elected for a second term gave his second inauguration speech. At the time this speech was given the Civil War had basically ended and an ammendment had been passed ending slavery. The speech was different from what his first one had been, and many people were praising him for his previous accomplishments. It was unknown that he would be killed just a few weeks later by a man present at the inauguration. -
Richmond, the Confederate Capital, Falls
The Fall of Richmond, VirginiaThe citizens Richmond, Virginia had become used to the threat of their capital being captured, since the Union had been trying to take control over it for many years. They had absolute faith in their leader, Rebert E. Lee. However after 10 months of fighting at Petersburg against the Union, Lee was short on supplies and men. He had no choice but to surrender, which included Richmond. It was at this point at the war when the advantages the north had (population and materials) had been crucial. -
Surrender at Appomattox
Battle of Appomattox Court HouseThe surrender at Appomattox was the final engagement of war in Virginia. Robert E. Lee on this day had decided to try once again to escape the Union troops However, this did not work out since new Union troops moved in and the Confederate army became surrounded on three sides, therefore Lee surrendered to the Union general, Granta and about a week later the War ended as a Union victory.
