Civil War Timeline

  • Election of 1860

    Election of 1860

    Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860 against John Breckenridge. The South threaten to secede from the United States if this happened. It was significant because it showed how divided the country was.
  • South Carolina Secedes

    South Carolina Secedes

    South does not trust Lincoln, so South Carolina decides to secede from the U.S. The southern state's believe in States' Rights and formed the Confederate States. It's significant because SC was the 1st to secede and it divided the country even more.
  • Attack on Fort Sumter

    Attack on Fort Sumter

    The Confederate States attack Fort Sumter after being informed that Lincoln was going to supply it. It was significant because this attack by the South started the Civil War.
  • Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

    Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

    In the Battle of Bull Run fighting breaks out in Manassas Virgina . Union seems to have the victory at first but Confederates win. It was significant because it was the 1st official battle of the Civil War and it forced the Union to take this war seriously.
  • Battle of Antietam

    Battle of Antietam

    In the Battle of Antietam the Union and the Confederates fight all day becoming the bloodiest day in American history. General McClellan is fired because he could have finished the rival's forces but didn't. It's significant because after this battle, Lincoln sees a chance to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • Battle of Fredericksburg

    Battle of Fredericksburg

    General Burnisde attacks the Confederates and tries to take Richmond. Confederates take the high grounds and wins. It's significant because it made the North lose a lot of men and it's a great loss.
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Emancipation Proclamation

    The Emancipation Proclamation declared that all slaves in Confederate states were free. It was significant because it brought more soldiers to join into the Union and it was one of the 1st steps to end slavery.
  • Battle of Vicksburg

    Battle of Vicksburg

    General Grant won the war that took over the Mississippi River, which was the last stronghold of the Confederates. It was significant because it completed the Anaconda Plan.
  • Battle of Gettysburg

    Battle of Gettysburg

    The Confederates run into the Union in Gettysburg and an unplanned battle starts off. The Union ends up winning and 1/3 of the South's men are killed. It's significant because it's the last time the Confederates invade the north and it weakens them.
  • 54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

    54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

    The 54th Massachusetts were attacks to Fort Wagner In South Carolina by the Union. It was significant because it's the most famous of all the black regiments.
  • Gettysburg Address

    Gettysburg Address

    Lincoln made a speech at Gettysburg for the 3,500 soldiers buried in the cemetery. It's significant because Lincoln wanted to encourage the people to keep fighting so everything wouldn't be in vain.
  • Sherman’s March to the Sea

    Sherman’s March to the Sea

    General Sherman's troops march from Atlanta to the Sea destroying crops, homes,and railroads. It was significant because it lowered the South's defenses.
  • 13th Amendment Passed

    13th Amendment Passed

    After winning the election of 1864, Lincoln passed the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery. It was significant because it pushed the Civil Rights movement and equality for everyone.
  • Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    Lee and Grant meet up at Appomattox Courthouse where Lee officially surrenders. This was significant because it ended the war and Grant's goal was to stop fighting from happening.

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