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After Abraham Lincoln's inauguration, tensions rose. Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter. The reason the South did this is because they could not stand a federal port blocking an important seaport. Fortunately, nobody died, but this battle did start the Civil War.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/battle-fort-sumter/ -
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The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the war. Which ended in a Confederate victory. This battle started when President Lincoln ordered General McDowell to attack Confederate forces, to get closer to taking Richmond.
https://acwm.org/learn/educator-resources/battle-of-bull-run-manassas-pt-1/ -
On March 8, 1862, the first Ironclad ship crashed and destroyed two U.S. warships. However, there was no clear winner because both the North and South claimed they won and they never acknowledged a draw.
https://www.history.com/news/when-ironclads-clashed-how-hampton-roads-changed-naval-warfare-forever -
This battle was a crucial win for the Union as it would signify their lasting strength. This battle also killed the Confederate general, General Albert Sidney Johnston, a very powerful man from both side's perspectives.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-shiloh -
Won by the Confederates, opened the way for the South to invade the North for the first time. This battle cemented Robert E. Lee as a tactical leader and helped his reputation.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Second-Battle-of-Bull-Run-1862 -
The Battle of Antietam was a turning point in the war. This battle is one of the most deadly single-day battles in American history. This deadly battle ended in a Union victory.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/a-short-overview-of-the-battle-of-antietam.htm#:~:text=Most%20importantly%2C%20Union%20victory%20at,of%20the%20American%20Civil%20War. -
Ending in a Confederate victory, again one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. It was a major Union failure and their morale plummeted.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-fredericksburg -
Ending in another Confederate victory, this battle is described as Robert E. Lee's "perfect battle". Lee's bold decision to divide his army whilst fighting a much larger battle force ended in this victory.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Chancellorsville -
This 47-day siege would eventually give control of the Mississippi River. After those 47 days, the Confederacy surrendered to General Grant. Cementing General Grant's reputation, it resulted in a Union victory.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Vicksburg-Campaign -
This battle was the largest cavalry fought battle of the Civil War. It resulted in a Confederate win. It also had a huge impact on the Gettysburg Campaign.
https://stonesentinels.com/less-known/brandy-station/ -
This battle was another huge turning point in the war. This is when the Union began winning more and proved themselves. This battle had the largest amount of casualties in the Civil War.
https://www.gettysburgpa.gov/history/slideshows/battle-history#:~:text=T%20he%20Battle%20of%20Gettysburg,as%20the%20war's%20turning%20point. -
This was an American Civil War campaign that led Union troops through Georgia destroying military outposts and civilian property. This campaign terrified Southerners hurting their morale and believing the Confederates would protect them.
https://www.nps.gov/ande/learn/historyculture/shermanandersonville.htm -
At the Battle of Appomattox, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union's Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant. It was one of the last Civil War battles, that would eventually end the war.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Appomattox-Court-House