Civil War Timeline

Election of 1860

Nov 6, 1860

In the Election of 1860, there were 4 main men who were running for president. Two of them were from the North, the other two were from the South. Abraham Lincoln won the Election because the North had more people hence more people would vote for him.

South Carolina Secedes

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina is the first southern state to secede. When they did, they formed the Confederate States of America. They elected Jefferson Davis as president.

Attack on Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

This is the first Civil War battle. On April 12, 1861, The Confederate States of America attacked Fort Sumter because Lincoln told South Carolina that he was going to supply the fort, therefore, The Confederate leaders saw that as an advantage to attack the Union. The South's attack on Fort Sumter started the Civil War.

Battle of Bull Run/Manassas

Jul 21, 1861

On July 21, 1861, the Union and the Confederate meet near Manassas Virginia, and started to fight. Since people didn't really think of this as a real war, some civilians came to watch which was a pretty bad idea. At first, the Union started to win, but then the tables turned and the Confederates successfully won this battle. This shocked the Union considering that they had all of the resources.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

The Battle of Antietam is the bloodiest day in the whole entire Civil War. On September 17, The Union and the Confederate meet and start fighting. They fight all day and by nightfall, the Confederates were forced to withdraw due to the loss of men. This is the first major win for the North and because of this war, Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.

Battle of Fredericksburg

Dec 11, 1862

Battle of Fredericksburg

Dec 11, 1862

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

During the War, Lincoln was very hesitant about whether or not he should free the slaves or not. However, after two years of war, he realizes that freeing the slaves would weaken the South so after Antietam, on January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation stating all slaves from the Confederate States were free.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

54th Massachusetts Fight at Fort Wagner

Jul 18, 1863

After the Emancipation Proclamation, African American men were able to fight in the war and lots of former slaves wanted to go to war with the Union. The 54th of Massachusetts fight was the most famous of the all-black regiments. On July 18, 1863, they attack Fort Wagner in South Carolina.

Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863