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American Constitution Ratified
Although the constitution mentions the equality of all men, it fails to unify the nation on the topic of slavery/illegalize slavery. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise attempts to address the ongoing problem of how to decide whether new states would be free states or slave states. A misbalance of either free or slave state representation in the house or senate could create problems for one side. -
Richmond Virginia becomes Capital of Confederates
As a hub of industrial production in the South, Richmond was chosen to be the new capital of the Confederacy moving away from Alabama -
Civil War Begins
After the formation of the Confederation, the first official act of war occurs when Confederate forces fire upon Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor. The fort is bombarded by over 4000 mortar rounds. -
Period: to
Civil War
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Fort Sumter Captured
U.S Major Robert Anderson surrenders Fort Sumter after a full day of constant Confederate mortar bombardment. This is the first "battle" to take place and in the war, and is won by the Confederates. -
President Abraham Lincoln calls for volunteer soldiers to fight against Southern rebellion
Two days after the fall of Fort Sumter, Abraham Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteer soldiers in order to fight the rebelling South. He does not acknowledge the existence of the Confederacy as a independent nation, and instead as a rebelling faction. -
First US Officer Killed in War
United States forces reach Arlington Heights; a nearby town "Alexandria" is occupied. Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, a friend of Abraham Lincoln's, is shot dead by a homeowner after Ellsworth removed a confederate flag from his home. -
First Battle Of Bull Run
The first battle takes place in Prince William County, Virginia. Each side possessing approximately 18,000 hastily equipped and trained troops. Initially, the Union forces carried out a poorly executed surprise flank attack, nevertheless leaving the Confederates at a disadvantage. The tide of battle switched with the arrival of Confederate forces, and the Union soldiers were defeated; they scattered and retreated. -
Battle Of Wilsons Creek Mississippi
Union forces attack Confederate and state militia troops in Springfield Mississippi. The fighting lasts a day, ending with a significant loss of the Federal troops. The Union now understands the strength of Confederate forces -
Battle of Ball's Bluff, Virginia
Union troops focus on making their way to the Confederate capital in Virginia. Federal forces tried to cross the Potomac river only to be fought back into retreating. Many soldiers died trying to retreat, Confederates won a great victory. -
General McClellan appointed by Abraham Lincoln
Dissatisfied with the previous general performance, President Lincoln appoints General George B. McClellan as General-in-Chief of all United States armies. -
Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky
Federal troops triumph in a skirmish in Kentucky. Confederate control over Kentucky is significantly weakened. -
Jefferson Davis is inaugurated as President of the Confederate States of America.
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The Battle of Seven Pines (Robert E Lee takes control of Northern Virginia Army)
Fighting in Virginia has General Joseph Johnson wounded, being replaced by legendary General Robert E Lee. -
Battle Of Second Bull Run
Fought in the same place as the first battle of Bull Run, Federal troops lose again, retreating back to Washington. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln implements the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring the emancipation of all slaves, throughout the whole country. This majorly boosts Union morale and hurts the South. It also allowed for black men to join and serve in the Army. -
Conscription Begins in the North
Citizens are drafted into the army, an unpopular move. The rich and wealthy had the opportunity to pay their way out of the draft, however poor farmers and lower classes could not. -
Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia
General Joseph Hooker fails to flank Confederate forces and retreats. However Lees victory suffers much causalities including "Stonewall" Jackson which serves as a great blow. Lee asks president Davis for permission to invade the North. -
Confederates Retaliate to Emancipation Proclamation
In retaliation the Confederates establish an act declaring the enlistment of black troops counts as inciting servile rebellion, therefore anyone involved is to be executed. -
The US War Department issues General Order No. 143 establishes the United States Colored Troops
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Battle Of Gettysburg
The battle of Gettysburg is the result of the Gettysburg campaign. It becomes the bloodiest battle of the entire war, and ends Lee's hopes of successfully invading the North. Union forces win. -
Battles for Chattanooga
Union forces succesfully defend the Confederate attack of Chattanooga, strategically denying another important battle from the South. -
Abraham Lincoln is nominated for a second term as president.
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Richmond Falls
General Lee abandons the Capital and moves west in hopes of meeting with General Johnston -
Lee Surrenders
On April 12, the Army of Northern Virginia formally surrenders and is disbanded. -
Lincoln Assasinated
President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated by actor John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC. -
Definitive End Of Civil War
General Simon Boliver Buckner agrees to surrender his army, officially ending the last significant Confederate fighting force. The Civil War is over, the Union has won.
