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Lincoln Elected
The majority of the votes came from the North because the North was more populated. Lincoln won because of the this. Lincoln won without any Southern electoral votes, angering the South and eventually leading the the secession of 7 Southern states. -
Lower South Secedes
South justified seceding by claiming (like the Declaration says) that the people have the right to overthrow an abusive government. Also, that they were formed through a state compact (states made the Constitution so they could make it). -
Lincoln 1st Inaugural
Lincolns efforts to reassure the South that he does not represent a threat to them or 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 in a Union fort in Charleston harbor, South Carolina. Opening shots of the war. -
Upper South Secedes
After a firing on Ft. Sumter, the 4 states of the Upper South secede. -
Battle of Bull Run/ First Manassas
North was confident that they would win (collecting souvenirs before battle was over and civilians showed up to watch). North underestimated the South's willing to fight... Significance is that the North realizes it will not be a short and easy war (5000 casualties). -
Antietam - “War of Attrition”
Battle was the first in a war of attrition (When one army inflicts continuous loss of soldiers and materials that add up to an unbearable burden for the other side). Over 50,000 casualty rates at the battle. Lee loses 1/4 of his army, but is allowed to escape. McClellan does not press his advantage - and he is fired. The South's hope for foreign intervention is limited by this loss. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Freed slaves as of January 1st, 1863 in areas of “open rebellion” (issued by Lincoln). Though the Emancipation Proclimation did not free any slaves, it is significant because it changed the goal of the war for the North - the goal was to end slavery - a MORAL issue. It also prevented foreign intervention. Britian and France did not want to be seen as supporting slavery. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Took place in Gettysburg, PA. A three day battle, high casualty rate, and the “bloodiest battle of the war”. Fierce battle that turned at the fighting on the Big and Little Round Top. 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 Lincoln at the battlefield of Gettysburg for the purpose of dedicating a cemitary. Reinforces the idea that the war is being fought for a moral cause - end 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, and for the people”). -
Sherman's March to the Sea - “Total War”
Sherman, a Union general, marched from Atlanta to Savannah with the goal of destroying the South so they can no longer fight. This is called total war - when one side attack a every aspect of the other, including civilian populations, economic resources, and not just military targets. This casued a lot of resentment on the part of the South. -
Lee's Surrender at Appomatox Courthouse
Tone of the surrender was one if sadness, a bittersweet victory for the North. For example, meeting was subdued. Grant offers rations to Lee's men, forms of surrender are generous - Confederates cojld keep sidearms and horses. Tone is a result of the fact that they have to rebuild and become countrymen once again. -
Lincoln Assassinated
Assassination takes place 5 days after Lee's surrender and just a month into Lincoln's 2nd term. Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. Is going to effect the reconstruction of the country.