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A new political party formed to oppose the spread of slavery. -
Allowed territories to decide on slavery, escalating tensions. -
A massive three-day battle in Pennsylvania that marked the turning point of the war; Lee’s invasion of the North was repelled with heavy losses. -
Lincoln's election led Southern states to consider secession. -
As a direct response to Lincoln's election, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, setting a precedent for other Southern states to follow. -
The first major battle of the Civil War, fought in Virginia, resulted in a chaotic Union retreat and proved the war would not be short or easily won. -
Delegates from the seceded states chose former U.S. Senator Jefferson Davis to lead the newly formed Confederate States of America. -
This historic naval engagement between the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly Merrimac) ended in a draw but revolutionized naval warfare. -
A surprise Confederate attack in Tennessee led to one of the bloodiest battles of the war at that point, but the Union ultimately held the field. -
The bloodiest single day in American history, with over 22,000 casualties, ended in a tactical stalemate but allowed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. -
Lincoln authorized the arrest and detention without trial of those deemed a threat to Union military efforts, a controversial wartime measure to suppress dissent. -
A disastrous Union assault on well-entrenched Confederate forces led to heavy losses and a stinging defeat for the North. -
Lincoln declared that slaves in Confederate-held territory would be free as of January 1, 1863, turning the war into a fight against slavery. -
Established to assist formerly enslaved people and war refugees, offering education, food, legal help, and employment assistance. -
After a 12-day manhunt, Booth was tracked down and shot by Union soldiers in a barn in Virginia. -
General Lee's most brilliant victory, where he divided his smaller force to surprise and defeat the Union army, though it cost him his top general, Stonewall Jackson. -
Union General Ulysses S. Grant captured the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, giving the Union full control of the Mississippi River and splitting the Confederacy in two. -
The Civil War officially began when Confederate artillery opened fire on the Union garrison at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, forcing its surrender after 34 hours. -
Anger over the draft and racial tensions exploded into violent riots, mostly targeting African Americans and wealthy citizens who could afford draft exemptions. -
In a brief but powerful speech at the Gettysburg cemetery dedication, Lincoln redefined the war as a struggle for a new birth of freedom and democracy. -
After General Joseph Johnston was wounded, Lee took command of the Army of Northern Virginia and would lead it for most of the war with great skill. -
Union forces under Sherman captured this crucial Confederate city, boosting Northern morale and helping secure Lincoln’s re-election. -
Despite war fatigue, Lincoln won a second term, ensuring the continuation of the war effort until total victory. -
General Sherman began a scorched-earth campaign from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying Confederate infrastructure and morale. -
Congress passed the amendment to abolish slavery throughout the United States, cementing one of the war’s central goals. -
Lincoln delivered a powerful speech promoting reconciliation and healing, famously saying, "With malice toward none, with charity for all..." -
Union troops captured the Confederate capital after a long siege, prompting the collapse of the Confederate government. -
After a long and grueling campaign, Union forces finally broke through Confederate defenses and captured Richmond, Virginia—the capital of the Confederacy—forcing the Confederate government to flee and signaling the imminent end of the war. -
General Lee surrendered to General Grant, effectively ending the Civil War as remaining Confederate armies soon followed. -
Just days after the war ended, Lincoln was shot by actor John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre during a play.