-
Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter was significant to the American Civil War because it launched the war with a big Confederate Victory. It was the surrender of Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina. The Union tried to resupply the fort, unfortunately the South fired on the fort, which intially made the war unavoidable. -
First Manassas
The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as First Manassas, was fought in Prince William County, Virginia, near the city of Manassas, not far from Washington, D.C. It was the first major battle of the American Civil War which ended in conferate victory. Most people believe that this what made the real. The North and South originally romanticized the war, but the amount of casualities really brought the reality of the war back home. -
Monitor vs. Virginia
One of the most famous naval battle in history, Monitor vs. Virginia, also known as the Battle of Hampton Roads, was most noted and arguably most important naval battle of the American Civil War. It was fought over two days, March 8-9, 1862, in Hampton Roads. Both sides claimed victory, but most consider it a strategic Union victory.It was also the first duel between ironclad warships. It was a Confedrate effort to break the Union blockade of Southern ports that were inflicted at the start. -
Battle of Shiloh
It was a major battle in the Western Theater of American Civil War that took place for two days. It was the bloodiest battle of the war, but the Union victory gave Tennessee to the North. It cleared the road for the North to expand towards the South. -
Seven Days Battles
These were a series of six major battles over the time period of seven days (June 25 to July 1, 1862) near Richmond, Virginia. The series of battles is known as the Seven Days Campaign. The leaders of these battles were George B. McClellan and Robert E. Lee. Important because despite the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee not only prevented George B. McClellan's Union army from capturing Richmond, but also drove them into retreat down the Virginia Peninsula. -
Antietam
Union General McLellan pursues Robert E. Lee to Antietam Creek in Maryland. A significant battle mostly because of the high death count and because it was the first battle in Union Territory. In terms of victory, no army won any significant territorial gains; however, the Union Army experienced a technical win. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
A major loss for the Union, this battle was fought against a moving Union army against a well-entrentched Confederate army in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Union losses measured twice those of the Confederate Army; the Union was forced to retreat. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln as a war measure during the Civil War. It was directedd to every area of rebellion and all segments of the executive branch. It proclaimed the freedom of slaves in the remaining ten states that still rebelled and did not want to free the slaves. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
A hugely important victory for Confederate forces, this battle was part of the larger Chancellorsville Campaign. Gen. Lee's decision to split his army against the Union Army, which had much more manpower, ended up being a good decision. This battle shocked the Union and the death of Stonewall Jackson was a huge blow to Gen. Lee and his forces. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg, along with Gettysburg, was one of two major turning points in the Union's favor. The battle was long and drawn out and involved both a land and naval campaign. After the battle, the Union had essentially sliced the South as part of the Anaconda Plan into two parts along the Mississippi River. -
Battle of Gettysburg
In Gettysburg, the Confederacy faced a huge loss that essentially allowed the Union to fight a War against a stationary South. In other words, the Northern push by Gen. Lee was completely halted, forcing the South into a defensive war. Considered a major turning point in the War in the North's favor. -
Chattanooga Campaign
This campaign, led by Union Gen. Grant, was a huge victory for the Union. Tennessee, one of the last strongholds of the Confederacy, was greatly weakened as a Confederate stronghold as a result of this campaign. This battle most importantly led to the ability of Sherman to lead his raids across the South. -
The Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address is known as one of the most memorable and famous speeches given in time. The speech was written and given by Preesident Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. Lincoln wanted to give dedication to the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennslyvania, after almost five months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the Battle of Gettysburg. -
Battle of the Wilderness
This battle was considered a draw; however, both sides gained certain advantages. The Union was faced with a daunting task - fighting through the dense forest, and the Confederacy responded well to the challenge. This battle was also the first battle between Gen. Grant's Union forces and the army of Gen. Lee. -
Battle of Atlanta
A very important victory for the Union, the loss of Atlanta is credited with helping Lincoln win the 1864 election (among other factors.) This battle occured towards the end of the War, and was one of the Confederacy's last and most important strongholds. A huge and almosts finishing blow to the Confederacy. -
Battle of Appomattox Court House
This battle was the last fought by Gen. Lee's armies. The Union halted Gen. Lee's attempt to retreat West. The end of this battle also led to a "domino effect" of sorts: after the surrender of Lee, a cascade of other surrenders occurred, leading to the end of the War. (Union victory.)
