Civil War Timeline

By gaspark
  • Election of 1860

    Election of 1860

    The Election of 1860 was when Abraham Lincoln became president. It was significant because South Carolina threatened to secede from the United States if Lincoln were to be elected. As we know, Lincoln did get elected, and the South was enraged because none of them had voted for him.
  • South Carolina Secedes

    South Carolina Secedes

    Since Abraham Lincoln was elected as president in the election of 1860, South Carolina's threat became reality. South Carolina was the first of the confederate states to secede from the Union. Their belief was that it was a state right to be able to do this: If they voluntarily joined, they could voluntarily leave. This was significant because it would influence other southern states to leave and make their own country.
  • Fort Sumter

    Fort Sumter

    After the Election of 1860, Abraham Lincoln didn't plan to leave Union forts in the South left alone even though the South left. This only grew the tension between the now two nations, but the forts were to be supplied. One of these forts was Fort Sumter. However, the Confederate States of America decided to attacked the fort before Union ships arrived to supply it, and because they were outnumbered the North surrendered. This was significant because it was the start of the Civil war.
  • Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

    Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

    Since the strategy of the North (anaconda plan) was taking too long, the North's goal was now to Invade Virginia. This was to take over the Confederate Capital. This battle was significant because the South won! It shocked, and changed the way the North saw the war. This "rebellion" was now something serious.
  • Battle of Antietam

    Battle of Antietam

    The battle of Antietam was the bloodiest one day battle. However, this was a first major win for the North. It could have been the finish off of the confederate forces, but General McClellan decided not to do that, which later got him fired. This battle was significant because since it was the North's first major win, it was an opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • Battle of Fredericksburg

    Battle of Fredericksburg

    At the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Union suffered a devastating loss. The confederates won, with the high ground, and trenches. This battle was significant because we get to see the leadership that the North lacked. They had to deal with different Generals consistently, and the different ways they lead. This made it difficult for the union soldiers to adjust.
  • Emancipation Proclamation

    Emancipation Proclamation

    Throughout the Civil war, Abraham Lincoln wasn't sure about freeing slaves. He didn't think he had that kind of power, and didn't want to loose the border states (slave states that didn't secede). Later, he had realized that by doing this act it would weaken the South, so he waited for the right moment to do so. The right moment was the win at Antietam! This was significant because it freed all the slaves in Confederate states only.
  • Battle of Vicksburg

    Battle of Vicksburg

    After the loss at Antietam, General Lee moved his army back to to Virginia. Now in place of McClellan, General Burnside was now leading the union army. He decided to attack, and take Richmond, but the south defended. The South had got hold of high ground, which meant that this was a loss for the Union army. It is significant because once again we get to see how the different Generals can be difficult to adjust to.
  • Battle of Gettysburg

    Battle of Gettysburg

    Confederate leader Lee decided to invade the North, and get help from Europe once again(A. strategy). Lee had crossed to Pennsylvania because of a rumor of a supply of shoes. However, confederate troops ran into union ones, and called for reinforcements. Although this was a victory for the North, this was a turning point for the South. This battle was significant because it would be the last time the South every invades the North, and there would be no more hep from the north.
  • 54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

    54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

    After the E.P, African Americans rushed to join the Union army, since it declared that they would be received if willing. Even though these men were segregated(all-black regiments), paid less, and had the worst jobs, they still showed great courage in battle. The 54th Massachusetts was the most famous out of all the black regiments because they were the first to lead a battle. This was significant because people at first didn't think they had as much courage as white men could have to lead.
  • Gettysburg Address

    Gettysburg Address

    The Gettysburg Address was a speech given by Abraham Lincoln in honor of the 3,500 soldiers who died on that field. It had become a commentary. This was significant because it is one of the most famous speeches ever made! It was short(2 minutes long), when most speeches would last way longer(hour long).
  • Sherman’s March to the Sea

    Sherman’s March to the Sea

    General Sherman had a belief of the term 'total war'. It meant that a war wasn't only against enemy troops, but anything that supports the enemy. This lead him and his troops to tare southern rail lines, burn towns, and homes. They left a trail of destruction wherever they went. This was significant because this would lead the North closer to victory.
  • 13th Amendment Passed

    13th Amendment Passed

    Lincoln saw victory as a sign to put an end to slavery permanently with an Amendment to the Constitution. So he urged congress to pass a law to end slavery everywhere, but he died before the Amendment could be passed. However, it did become the 13th Amendment to our constitution. This is significant because this abolished slavery, prohibited involuntary servitude, and canceled the fugitives slave act and 3/5 compromise.
  • Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse

    General Grant chased Lee through Virginia, and took over the capital of Richmond. Lee still wanted to fight, but the situation was with no hope. So Lee sent that he will surrender, and on April 8, 1965 Lee and Grant met at Appomattox Courthouse where he officially surrendered. This was significant because this declared the end of the Civil War.

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