Civil War

Compromise of 1850

Jun 9, 1850

California came in as a Free State--western states could vote for whether they would be Free or Slave

Lincoln is President

Nov 6, 1860

His election came at a time of national crisis over slavery

Confederate States of America formed

Feb 8, 1861

consisted of six southern slave states that seceded from the United States

Fort Sumter

Apr 11, 1861

Fort Sumter is attacked by the confederates, beginning the Civil War

Robert E. Lee

Apr 15, 1861

Lee declines command for the Union because he doesn't want to fight against his home state of Virginia.

Virgina secedes

Apr 17, 1861

This led to the Confederate Capital moving to Richmond Virginia. Because of this many Civil War battles took place in Virginia.

Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

This was the first major batte of the Civil War.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 16, 1862

This was the bloodiest one-day battle of the Civil War.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

This freed all the slaves in captured cities in the south.

Battle of Vicksburg

May 18, 1863

Victory in the Battle of Vicksburg gave control of the Mississippi River to the Union.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

This was the turning point of the Civil War. The Confederates lost so many men they had to surrender.

Talks Fail

Feb 3, 1865

Lincoln meets with the confederate Vice President of the Hampton Wars. These talks fail and the war continues.

Appomattox Courthouse

Apr 9, 1865

Robert E. Lee secedes to Grant here and the war is now over.

Lincoln is shot

Apr 14, 1865

Lincoln is shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. by John Wilkes Booth.

13th Amendment

Dec 6, 1865

The 13th Amendment is passed and slavery is now abolished.