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John Brown and Harper's Ferry
John Brown attempts to lead a slave revolt in Harper's Ferry, Virginia. He and his followers kill several white slaveowners, but cannot stir the slaves into action. Ultimately, Brown is captured and hanged for his crimes, and tensions between the North and South increase even more. -
Abraham Lincoln is elected President
Abraham Lincoln is elected President and appoints Hannibal Hamlin as his Vice President. This was a fairly controversial presidential campaign, and the South believed that it displayed the government's overall favor towards the North. Shortly after his inauguration, the South secedes from the Union. -
the South secedes
The South secedes from the Union. Now independent, they form the Confederacy. Tensions reach an all-time high, and people begin to suspect that war may soon break out. -
the Confederacy grows
Between January 9 and February 1, even more Southern states secede and join the Confederacy. Among them are Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. Again, tensions spike between the North and South. -
Lincoln declares insurrection
Lincoln declares a state of insurrection for the Union. In addition, he calls for 75,000 volunteers to enlist in three months of military service to help protect the Union during this time. All of this is due to the South's secession, which is seen as a blatant rebellion against the Union. War seems inevitable at this point. -
the Civil War officially begins at Manassas
The Battle of Manassas results in a Confederate victory and an official state of war between the two forces. Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson is nicknamed "Stonewall" due to his heroism and is idolized in the Confederacy. -
Robert E. Lee takes control of the Confederate military
After almost a year of war, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston is wounded in battle at the Battle of Seven Pines. As a result, Robert E. Lee is appointed as the leader of the Confederate troops. He maintains this position until the end of the Civil War. -
the Battle of Antietam is the bloodiest conflict yet
The Battle of Antietam sees heavy losses on both sides. In fact, it is the bloodiest battle in the Civil War up to that point. Neither side emerged as a clear winner, although the Union earned a tactical victory. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, which states that all slaves in the seceded states are now free. However, this proclamation is more symbolic than anything; Lincoln cannot enforce it, and therefore the Confederacy keeps its slaves in captivity. His actions create the illusion of control in the Union, and serves as an insult to the Confederacy. -
the Battle of Gettysburg marks a turning point in the war
The Battle of Gettysburg is a Union victory, although both sides sustain extremely heavy losses. But with a higher casualty-to-survivor ratio, the Confederacy is more damaged, and retreats. This marks a major turning point in the war, and almost marks its end.