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Lincoln almost wins a race
Although Lincoln doesn't win a popular majority and isn't even on the ballot in nine Southern states, he earns enough electoral votes to beat all other opponents. -
South Carolina secede
South Carolina officially secedes from the Union -
Secession
Mississippi, Florida , Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana , and Texas all first seceded from the union then Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Coralina also seceded from the union. -
Civil War Begins
Confederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard bombard Major Robert Anderson and his Union soldiers at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War officially begins. -
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First Battle Of the Bull Run And The Second Battle Of the Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run pits Union General Irvin McDowell against the new Confederate army. The Second Battle of Bull Run is a resounding victory for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. -
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Battle Of Shiloh
Union General Ulysses S. Grant's forces are surprised at the town of Shiloh in Tennessee. The ensuing battle results in 13,000 Union and 10,000 Confederate casualties, more than in all previous American wars combined. -
The Seven Days
Over the course of seven days of fighting, General Robert E. Lee attacks George McClellan's Union Army of the Potomac near Richmond, Virginia. -
Antietnam
The Battle of Antietam is the bloodiest day in United States history. Over 26,000 men are killed, wounded or missing in action on both sides. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. It frees all slaves in territory captured by the Union Army, and orders the enlistment of Black soldiers. -
Slavery Abolished
The 13th Amendment is ratified by the States. Slavery is abolished.