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Though winning in the electoral college, Lincoln's lack of a popular majority (1.9 million out of 4.7 million votes cast) is an indication of the problems he would face with a divided nation
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Seven states form Confederacy, write their own constitution, and plan for an independent nation
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Lincoln enters Washington D.C. in disguise because of unrest. Southerners begin seizing federal posts
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Lincoln decides to supply Ft. Sumter, but wants the South to fire the first shot.
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Gen. McDowell leads 30,000 men against Gen. Johnston's 22,000 Southern troops in an attempt to crush the rebels and go "On to Richmond." South scores victory as Union troops flee back to Washington in disarray. McDowell replaced by Gen. McClellan
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On news of Lincoln's election, South Carolina (site of nullification fight in 1830s) secedes
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Gen. Grant captures two forts on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Confederates forced out of Kentucky and yield much of Tennessee
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First ironclad battle in history ends in a draw as the Merrimac withdraws after daylong exchange of fire. Union blockade of South is maintained
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After continual prodding by Lincoln, McClellan decides to attack Richmond via the South. He moves his large army down the Potomac, marches on Richmond, and then assumes a defensive position rather than pushing for victory. Gen. Lee takes command of Southern troops
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Grant overcomes Southern forces with heavy losses for each side: 13,000 Union casualties, 11,000 for South
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Farragut seizes New Orleans for Union after boldly attacking Southern position. 11 Southern ships sunk
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McClellan replaced by Gen. Pope. Lee and Gen. Stonewall Jackson defeat Union troops again at Manassas and Pope is replaced by McClellan
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Heavily outnumbered, Lee's troops face McClellan in bloody fighting. Over 23,000 casualties (more than all previous American wars combined). Lee retreats to Virginia
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With victory at Antietam, Lincoln announces that on 1/1/63, all slaves in the rebelling states would be free. Does not affect border states. Forces European nations to recognize that choosing sides in the Civil War is to take a stand on slavery
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Gen. Burnside attacks Lee's fortified position and suffers 10,000 casualties (to Lee's 5000).
