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The first shots of the Civil War took place at Fort Sumter shortly after President Lincoln announced to resupply it. Confederate General Beauregard attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, and it lasted for almost 34 hours. It finally ended on April 13th when Union forces were forced to surrender. This event is very important because it played a big part in kicking off the Civil War. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/fort-sumter -
The First Battle of Bull Run took place on July 21, 1861, when Union and Confederate armies collided near Manassas Junction, Virginia.
Being on the defense for most of the day, the rebels got together and were able to break the Union right flank, sending them into retreat. This Confederate victory shocked the north and gave the south more confidence. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/first-battle-of-bull-run -
This was history’s first battle between ironclads. The south wanted to break the Union blockade of Southern ports. The Virginia the U.S.S. Cumberland and set the U.S.S. Congress on fire. The battle between the Virginia and the Monitor began on March 9th and took four hours. The Virginia retreated in the afternoon. Not much damage was done. This was important because it began a new era in naval warfare. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads -
It took place from April 6 to April 7, 1862. It was one of the earlier battles of the Civil War. The Confederate Army launched an attack on the Union. After a while, the Confederates weren't able to hold their position and were forced back. Even though the Union won both sides suffered greatly. This was a reminder that this war would cost a great amount. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-shiloh -
General Lee decided to strike the Federal supply base at Manassas. On August 29th. Popes men collided with Jackson's men. They both held their ground but suffered great losses. The next day the rest of Lee's army arrived forcing Pope to retreat. After this battle, the Union suffered a wave of despair. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/second-battle-of-bull-run -
This was one of the most deadly battles In US history. Occurring on September 17, 1862, at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland. The Union had won by stopping the Confederate's attempt at invading Maryland. Lee's army was scattered and forced to retreat. This was important because the Union needed to bag a victory in order to feel confident enough to release the Emancipation Proclamation. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-antietam -
Commander Burnsideś army of 120,000 attacked Lee's army from both sides. The Confederacy turned back the assault. The Union had lost and suffered from low morale after this failed attack. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-fredericksburg -
This battle was a huge victory for the Confederacy. Fought in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Lee made a decision to fight the Union army that was twice his size. Although a greatly celebrated victory, one of the Confederacy's most beloved generals Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson had died. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-chancellorsville -
This was an important battle because this gave control to the Mississippi River. The Union led a 47-day siege and gained control. This allowed them to cut off trade to the south. This ultimately dived the Confederacy. Cites:
https://www.historynet.com/battle-of-vicksburg -
Fought on June 9th, 1863, Brandy Station was the largest cavalry battle in the US. Both sides fought until worn and tired. Eventually, the Union got an order to retreat. Cites:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/brandy-station -
One of the most well-known battles of the civil war, the Battle of Gettysburg lasted for over 3 days. The Confederates tried to break through the Union center. The Union won in the end but suffered a great number of casualties. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-gettysburg -
General Sherman led about 60,000 troops from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. They began on November 15th and finally arrived on December 21st. They were trying to scare civilians in Georgia to abandon the Confederacy. Cites:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/shermans-march -
The fighting only really lasted a few hours but it was very important since it ended the Civil War. In the end, General Lee finally surrenders, giving the Union its long awaited victory. Cited:
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/appomattox-court-house#:~:text=The%20Battle%20of%20Appomattox%20Court,Grant
