-
Republican Party is Formed
The Republican Party was formed by a few different groups of people which included, anti-slavery activists, former Whigs, and a few Democrats who were against the expansion of slavery. They did not want the spread of slavery to reach other territories. Now, the Republican Party is one of major political parties in the United States. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act Passed
The Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed by the United States Congress. The act allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska decide whether to allow slavery or not. It led to intense conflicts between people who were pro-slavery and anti-slavery. -
Abraham Lincoln Elected President
It was a huge deal when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. He became the 16th president of the United States. Lincoln is known to be a very important person in American history. He helped lead the United States through the Civil War and helped end slavery. -
South Carolina Votes to Secede from the United States
On this day, South Carolina representatives dedicated themselves to leading other slave states out of the federal Union. This was not the first time South Carolinians advised secession. -
Confederate Forces Fire on Fort Sumter
The Confederate forces, led by General P.G.T Beauregard open fired on Fort Sumter, which was the Union forces land. I took the Confederate forces thirty hours of bombing the Union forces, until they surrendered. This began the start of the American Civil War. -
Lincoln Suspends Habeas Corpus
Abraham Lincoln made the decision to suspend Habeas Corpus from the White House in Washington, D.C. This meant some people could be detained or arrested without going into trial. Lincoln thought this was best so we can have national security. -
Richmond Becomes the Capital of the Confederacy
During the Civil War, Richmond, Virginia became the capital of Confederacy. It was used as an administrative and political center for Confederate States of America. -
First Battle of Bull Run is Fought
The battle occurred near Manassas, Virginia. It was between the Confederate forces, led by General P.G.T Beauregard and the Union forces, which was led by General Irvin McDowell. The Union forces attempted to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. The Union forces were unsuccessful because the Confederate forces were very good at defending and won the battle. -
Jefferson Davis Elected President of the Confederacy
Jefferson Davis was elected president of the Confederate States of America. Although he ran without opposition, the election confirmed the decision that had been made by the Confederate Congress. -
Period: to
The Merrimac and the Monitor Fight of the Virginia Coast
The battle was located off the coast of Virginia during the American Civil War. It involved the Union ironclad USS Monitor and the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia. Neither side displayed good defense, which led the battle to be considered a draw. This battle marked a major turning point in naval warfare. -
Period: to
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh took place near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. It was between the Union Army, led by General Ulysses S.Grant and the Confederate Army, which was led by General Albert Sidney Johnston first and then later General P.G.T Beauregard. After, intense fighting, the Union Army took the victory. They had very good fighting tactics. -
Robert E. Lee is Named Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia
Robert E.Lee was named commander of the Army of Northern Virginia in Richmond, Virginia by Confederate President Jefferson Davis. He was known for his amazing military leader skills and was a big help in many battles. -
Battle of Antietam
The battle was known to be one of the bloodiest single-day battles. It took place in Sharpsburg, Virginia. It involved the Union Army, which was led by General George McClellan and the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E.Lee. The battle is known to be considered a draw. Although ended in the Union's victory because it stopped General Lee from going further North. -
Period: to
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle took place in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It involved the Union Army, which was led by General Ambrose Burnside and the Confederate Army, which was led by General Robert E. Lee. The Union Army attempted to attack the Confederate Army and were unsuccessful. The Confederate Army had very good defenses. -
Emancipation Proclamation is Announced
Known to be a big moment in history. Abraham Lincoln announced that all enslaved people in Confederate territory had to be set free. It was a huge step towards ending slavery. -
Period: to
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville took place in Virginia. It was between the Confederate Army, which was led by General Robert E. Lee and the Union Army, led by General Joseph Hooker. The Union Army outnumbered the Confederate Army, however the Confederate Army took the victory. The Confederate army was very strategic and bold. -
Period: to
Battle of Gettysburg
Known to be the turning point of the Civil War. The war involved the Confederate Army, which was led by General Robert E.Lee and the Union Army, led by General George Meade. It resulted in the Unions victory. -
Confederates Surrender at Vicksburg
The decision of the Confederates surrendering at Vicksburg was made by the Confederate commander, General Pemberton. The Confederates were surrounded and did not have access to supplies by the Union forces, leading them with no choice but to surrender. The Union's victory awarded them with control over the Mississippi River. -
Period: to
New York City Draft Riots
The New York City draft Riots were created in response to the implementation of conscription. The riots would get marked by dangerous protests and attacks against African Americans and government officials. -
Lincoln Gives his Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln gave a speech during the Civil War at the Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He talked about honoring everyone who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and maintaining the Union. The speech is known to be very historic. -
Atlanta is Captured
William T. Sherman's troops at Atlanta was repulsed with many losses. They were forced to abandon Atlanta to the Union. -
Abraham Lincoln Defeats George McClellan to Win Re-election
This was known to be a crucial moment in American History. Abraham Lincoln's victory was special because it demonstrates all the support he received from people during his first term. Americans saw the effort he put into his leadership and were proud. -
Period: to
Sherman Begins his March to the Sea
The "March to the Sea" started from General William Tecumseh Sherman. He would lead Union forces on a campaign and on the way they would destroy resources for strategic military. They went from Atlanta, Georgia to Savannah, Georgia. -
Congress Passes the 13th Amendment
This amendment was passed by the House of Representatives. Emancipation became a national policy. -
Freedman’s Bureau is Created
The Freedman's Bureau was created by the U.S. government. It operated in many locations to help support newly freed African Americans. It provided support in legal rights, education, and employment. -
Lincoln Gives his Second Inaugural Address
Abraham Lincoln have his second inaugural address in Washington, D.C, at the United States capitol. It was a huge public event, where thousands of people came to see. In Lincoln's speech he mentioned the importance of forgiveness and coming together and moving forward as a nation. He wanted everyone to heal after the Civil War. Lincoln's speech was known to be very powerful and inspiring. -
Richmond Falls to the Union Army
The government and the Confederate army were forced to leave Richmond. Richmond was the one of the biggest targets for the Union because it was the confederate capital. The confederate capitol holds many supplies, weapons and troops. -
Robert E. Lee Surrenders at Appomattox
Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. The Union forces outnumbered and surrounded the Confederate Army. Robert E. Lee did not want to go through any more suffering, which led him with no choice but to surrender. The Union's victory led to an end of the Civil War. -
President Lincoln Assassinated
Abraham Lincoln was spending time with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln at Ford's Theatre located in Washington, D.C. Abraham Lincoln was shot in the head by Confederate supporter John Wilkes Booth. The following morning, he was reported dead. -
John Wilkes Booth is Killed
John Wilkes Booth died at Garrett's Farm, in Virginia. He was hiding in a barn and was found. During his confrontation, Booth was shot by a Union solider, who goes by the name Sergeant Boston Corbett.