civil war

Lincoln's Election

Nov 6, 1860

Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president to be elected, a party that opposed election.

Secessions

1861

Starting with South Carolina in Dec 1860, seven southern states have seceded from the union by Jan 1861.

Confederate President

Feb 18, 1861

The seceded states form a government in Montgomery and Jefferson Davis is appointed president of the Confederate States of America until proper elections.

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

The Civil War officially begun when Southerners attacked Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

More Secessions

Apr 15, 1861

With President Lincoln's call for 75k volunteers for the army, four additional states seceded the union.

Battle of Big Bethel

Jun 10, 1861

The first land battle.

West Virginia

Jun 20, 1861

Northwestern counties of Virginia broke away from that state to form West Virginia.

Surrender of Fort Donelson

Feb 16, 1862

Left the Cumberland River in to the Union. Signed by Union General Ulysses S. Grant.

Battle of Pea Ridge

Mar 8, 1862

With the Union's win, Confederate power loosened on Missouri and the Mississippi River.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 7, 1862

Union victory secured Union General Ulysses S. Grant's career.

Battle of Seven Pines

Jun 1, 1862

General Joseph Johnston, commander of the Confederate army was replaced by Robert E. Lee.

Battle of Corinth

Oct 4, 1862

Union won Confederate forces in northeastern Mississippi.

Siege of Vicksburg

May 18, 1863

With Union win, Mississippi River is controlled solely by the Union.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 3, 1863

The bloodiest battle of the civil war smother's General Lee's hopes to invade the North.

Draft Riots

Jul 13, 1863

Violent riots in NYC broke off against the new draft requirements -- which essentially allowed the rich to simply find a substitute or pay for their freedom; white workingmen committed several violent protests, particularly against black people and places owned by black people.

Battle of Cedar Creek

Oct 19, 1864

Union wins, ending the battle for control of the Shenandoah Valley.

Battle of Five Forks

Apr 1, 1865

With the Confederates' loss, initiates ideas of surrender.

Assassination of Lincoln

Apr 9, 1865

Killed by actor John Wilkes Booth.

Official Surrender

Apr 12, 1865

Confederate General Lee and Union General Grant agreed upon surrender terms. The Army of North Virginia was disabled with the surrender.

Official End

May 26, 1865

General Simon Bolivar Buckner entered into terms for surrender of the Army of the Trans-Mississippi.