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Lincoln Election
The majority of the votes came from the north because the north was more populated. Lincoln won because of this. Lincoln won without any southern votes, angering the south eventually leading to the secession of 7 southern states. -
Lower S. Seceded
South justified succeeding by claiming the declaration says "people have the right to overthrow an abusive government. Also, they were formed through a state compact and (states made constitution so they can u make it) -
Lincoln's First Inagural
Lincoln's efforts to reassure the south that he does not represent a threat to them or to slavery. Lincoln also argues that a compact cannot be broken unless both sides agree. Tone is firm but at the same time welcoming -
Firing on Ft. Sumter
South fires on a union fort in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Opening shot of war -
Upper S. Sucedes
After a firing on fort Sumter the 4 upper south states succeed -
Battle of Bull Run/ 1st Mannassas
North was confident that they would win (collecting souvenirs, citizens) north underestimates south will to fight. Significant: north realizes it will not be a short and easy war. (5,000 casualties) -
Antietem "War of Attrition"
Battle was the first in the war of attrition. (When one army inflicts continuous losses of soldiers and materials that add up to an unbearable burden for the other side) over 50,000 causality rates at the battle. Lee loses 1/4 of his army but is allowed to escape, McClellen does not press his advantage - is fired. The souths hope for foreign intervention is limited by this loss. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Freed slaves as of jan.1st 1863 in areas of "open rebellion". Issued by Lincoln. Though the E.P. Did not free slaves, it is significant because it changed the goal of war for the North. Goal is to end slavery, a moral issue. Also, prevented foreign intervention, Britain and France did not want to be seen as supporting slavery. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Took place in Pennsylvania, 3 days, high causality "bloodiest battle of the war" fierce battle that turned at the fighting on big and little round top(hills). Significant because Lee was never on the offensive again and the south had no hopes of foreign intervention. Lincoln wins reelection overwhelmingly -
Gettysburg Address
Speech given by Abraham Lincoln at the battlefield at Gettysburg for the purpose of dedication the cemetery. Reinforces the idea that the war is being fought for a moral cause and slavery. "All men are created equal" and draws the connection between the aims of the war and the idea of popular sovereignty "of the people, by the people, for the people" -
Sherman's March to the Sea "Total War"
Sherman, a union general, marched Atlanta to Savannah with the goal of destroying the South so that they can no longer fight. This is called total war - one side attacks every aspect of the other...including civilian population, economic resources, not just military targets. Destroyed rail roads, looted and stole. Caused a lot of resentment on the part of the south -
Lincoln Assassinated
Takes place 5 days after Lee's surrender and just a month into Lincoln's second term. Assassinated by John Wilks Booth. Is going to affect the reconstruction of the country -
Lee's Surrender at Appomatox Courthouse
Tone of the surrender was one of sadness, a bittersweet victory for the North. For example, meeting was subdued. Grant offers rations to Lee's men, terms of surrender - lets them keep their sidearms and horses. Tone is a result of the fact they have to rebuild and become country men once again.