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Representing the Republican party, Abraham Lincoln becomes the 16th president of the United States. He wins the election by obtaining 180/303 electoral votes; recieving 40% of popular vote.
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Jefferson Davis is elected president of the Confederate in Montgomery, Alabama.
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Confederate general Pierre Beauregard and his army attack the Union soldiers at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. This marks the beggining of Civil War
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Confederate General Stonewall Jackson resists Union attacks at Bull Run, pushing them back to Washington (25 miles Northeast). Lincoln realizes this war will be lengthy and bloody.
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This was a bad blow to the North. Robert E. Lee was one of America's greatest Generals and he was arguably the South's biggest advantage. Althoough Lincoln tried to get him to lead the North, Lee refused to fight against his hometown of Virginia
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Fought in Antietam, Maryland, this battle is the bloodiest day in US history. 26,000 Men are killed and/or wounded. Although a draw, Lee's invasion of Maryland is stopped and he retreats back to Virginia. More support gained in the North
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Issued by Lincoln, this freed all slaves in territories owned by the Confederate (out of his juristiction.) It also ordered blacks to enlist in the Union army. The war is now 100% over slavery.
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General Meade leads the Union soldiers to victory in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This Union gains a signifigant lead in the war. Lee retreats
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Lincoln's Gettysburg Address reframed the Civil War, stating it as a struggle that would result in the rebirth of the people's freedom.
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After searching for a capable General for a very long time, Lincoln finally found Grant. He was not afraid to lose his own men in order to win the war.
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Union general Sherman captures Atlanta, Georgia from the Confederates. After burning Atlanta's warehouses, Sherman continues his march to the coast. This helps Lincoldn's credibility greatly.
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General Sherman begins to march the Union army through Georgia, creating a 300 mile path of chaos. The South is defeated even more so.
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United States Congress officially aprroves the Thirteenth Amendment; the abolishment of slavery. It is submitted for ratification.
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After winning his second election, Lincoln inaugurated for the second time. He speaks about the neccesity for North and South to come together as one, regardless the past conflict.
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In Appomatox, Virginia, Robert E. Lee surrents to Ulysses S. Grant; marking the end of the Civil War.
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John Wilkes Booth shoots Lincoln in the head at Ford's theatre at 10:13 PM. He dies the next morning at 7:22 AM.
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The Thirteenth Amendment, passed by congress in January 1865, is ratified. This marks the official abolition of slavery.