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The Battle of Fort Sumter is the battle that ultimately started the American Civil War. The South Carolina militia fired the shots beginning the war. Major Robert Anderson, the fort's commander, surrendered in under two days marking it as a Confederate victory. History.com Editors. “Civil War.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 15 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history.
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Both the Union and the Confederate soldiers were fairly inexperienced and were released across Bull Run. The confederates ended up securing this victory mainly because of the efforts of their general, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. “Key Battles Of The Civil War.” History, 19 May 2020, www.historyonthenet.com/key-battles-civil-war.
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Also called the Battle of Hampton Roads, this naval battle between ironclad warships pinned the U.S.S Monitor and the C.S.S Virginia against each other. Although the battle was ultimately inconclusive, the battle prompted a new era in sea warfare. History.com Editors. “Battle of Hampton Roads.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-hampton-roads.
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Confederate soldiers initiated a surprise attack on Grant's forces. Grant gained reinforcements from one division and was joined by three others. He then launched a counterattack the next morning causing the confederates to lose their ability to maintain their positions, resulting in a Union Victory. “Key Battles Of The Civil War.” History, 19 May 2020, www.historyonthenet.com/key-battles-civil-war.
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Lee and Pope found themselves in the middle of another battle when their armies clashed at Manassas. Even with large amounts of casualties on both sides, they continued to hold their own ground. When the remainder of Lee's army arrived the next day, they launched a counterattack causing Pope's forces to retreat. History.com Editors. “Second Battle of Bull Run.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 5 Apr. 2011, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/second-battle-of-bull-run.
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The Battle of Antietam is known to be the deadliest single-day battle in all of United States history with approximately 22,717 soldiers either dead, wounded, or missing. The Union emerged victorious from this battle while also stopping the confederate's attempt to invade Maryland. Lee's army was forced to retreat to Virginia. “Key Battles Of The Civil War.” History, 19 May 2020, www.historyonthenet.com/key-battles-civil-war.
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The newly appointed commander of the Union, Ambrose E. Burnside, had his army of 120,000 cross the Rappahannock River. and attack Lee's army from the left and right. The Union had around 13,000 casualties after this attempt at another victory. History.com Editors. “Battle of Fredericksburg.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-fredericksburg.
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The Union was startled to find themselves under attack by the confederate army. Although the Confederates were outnumbered 2-to-1, they still managed to secure a victory from this battle. The Union lost about 15% of its soldiers(17,000) and the Confederacy lost about 22% (13,000). History.com Editors. “Civil War.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 15 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history.
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The 47-day siege ultimately gave control of the Mississippi river over to the Union which was originally a Confederate stronghold. This was actually a part of the Union's "Anaconda Plan". It allowed them to cut off trade from the outside to the Confederacy. This was a major Union victory and divided the Confederacy. History.com Editors. “Siege of Vicksburg.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/vicksburg-campaign.
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The Battle of Brandy Station came to be known to America as the largest cavalry engagement to have been fought in North America. Both men and horses from the Union and Confederacy were getting tired from fighting and eventually, the Union was given orders to fall back. The Confederates took the victory and remained in possession of the field at the end of the day. “Prelude to Gettysburg: The Battle of Brandy Station.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
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The Battle of Gettysburg lasted over the course of three days and would come to be known as the deadliest battle of the Civil War. Over these three days of fighting, the Confederates would not be able to break through the Union center. The Union would gain a costly victory at Gettysburg with over 50,000 casualties coming from both sides. “Key Battles Of The Civil War.” History, 19 May 2020, www.historyonthenet.com/key-battles-civil-war.
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General William T. Sherman led approximately 60,000 soldiers from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. They began their endeavor on November 15th and reached their destination on December 21st in an attempt to scare the civilians of Georgia into deserting the Confederacy. History.com Editors. “Sherman's March to the Sea.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 22 Feb. 2010, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/shermans-march.
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This battle was fought near Appomattox Court House, Virginia, hence the name. The fighting only lasted a few hours but ended up being one of the most important battles considering it ended the four-year civil war. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Ulysses S. Grant resulting in a Union victory. History.com Editors. “Battle of Appomattox Court House.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/appomattox-court-house.
