Civil war timeline

  • Election of 1860

    Election of 1860

    The election of 1860 was the election of Abraham Lincoln. It was what sparked the anger of the south and what caused south Carolina to almost seceed. During this election, the south feared Lincoln being president so much that he didn't even get over 100 votes from the south.
  • South Carolina Secedes

    South Carolina Secedes

    South Carolina decided to secede after Lincoln was elected president. They were afraid that he would abolish slavery even though he specifically said he was not. Their claim was for seceding was that becoming part of the united states was voluntary and that they could leave whenever they wanted.
  • Attack on Fort Sumter

    Attack on Fort Sumter

  • Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

    Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

    The Nothern goal for the battle of bull run was to Invade Virginia and take Confederate capital Richmond. They decided to do this since the anaconda plan would take too long. Though the Confederates were successful in this battle.
  • Battle of Antietam

    Battle of Antietam

    This battle was the most Single bloodiest day in all of American history. But it was the first major win for North. After Antietam, Lincoln sees a chance to capitalize on the victory and issues the Emancipation Proclamation
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Emancipation Proclamation

    Throughout the war, Lincoln was hesitant to free the slaves. He Waited for an impressive victory - the Battle of Antietam delivers him the perfect opportunity. Then he Freed all slaves in the confederate states.
  • Battle of Vicksburg

    Battle of Vicksburg

    Vicksburg was the last stronghold of the Confederates on the Mississippi River. After the victory at Vicksburg, it opened up the “deep South” to Union control. Anaconda plan fulfilled - Union had complete control of the Mississippi River and could split up the South
  • Battle of Gettysburg

    Battle of Gettysburg

  • 54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

    54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

  • Gettysburg Address

    Gettysburg Address

    Lincoln came to Gettysburg to speak at the dedication of the cemetery for the 3,500 soldiers buried there. Short - but one of the most famous speeches of all time.
  • Battle of Fredericksburg

    Battle of Fredericksburg

    First McLellan was replaced by General Burnside. Burnside decides to attack to try and take Richmond but Lee intercepts and gets the high ground. It was a devastating loss for the north.
  • Sherman’s March to the Sea

    Sherman’s March to the Sea

    From Atlanta to the Sea he cut a path of destruction 60 miles wide and 300 miles long. During the journey, His troops tore up rail lines, destroyed crops, and burned and looted towns. Homes of civilians were also burned in the process - they left a line of destruction behind them
  • 13th Amendment Passed

    13th Amendment Passed

    In January 1865, Lincoln had been urging Congress to pass a law to end slavery everywhere. The end was near, victories for the Union, destruction of the South, no European help, and slavery gone. The 13th Amendment was passed
  • Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    Lee wanted to continue fighting but saw the situation was hopeless. Grant offered generous terms of surrender to Lee. April 8, 1865, Lee and Grant met in a small Virginia town called Appomattox Court House where Lee officially surrendered, ending the Civil War and Southern hopes of being a country.

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