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Union Naval Blockade
The Union Naval Blockade lasted from 1861-1865, and was the Union's plan to ruin the South's economy. The Union set up U.S. ships around southern states/rivers to prevent imports or exports such as the cotton gin or weapons. The blockade prevented another nations from trading with the South, negatively impacting them. The significance of this event is that war supplies were kept away from the Confederates, causing them to have limited supplies and a struggling economy, which helped the North. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter took place from April 12 to April 13, in 1861. Both sides fired guns at each other and used cannons for over a day long in battle. Due to the fact that the Union was severely outnumbered and has less resources than the South did, Robert Anderson was left with no choice but to surrender Fort Sumter to the Confederate forces. This battle was significant because it established the beginning of what would be a bloody American Civil War. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run, or the Battle of the First Manassas was the first major battle of the Civil War. The Union had more troops going into the battle, but were unsuccessful in their pursuits. This is because the Confederates were able to break through the Union's military formation, sending the Union forces into a panic. This battle gave the South a surge of confidence, and proved to northerners that the war would not be as easily won as they had thought. -
Trent Affair
The Trent Affair was a diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and the U.K. that threatened the start of a war. On this day, a U.S. Navy Officer captured two Confederate envoys who were aboard the British mail ship the Trent. Britain then accused the U.S. of violating their terms of neutrality. The event was significant because it could have led to the U.S. getting involved in a war with Britain while they were in the middle of the Civil War. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh took place from April 6- April 7, 1862. It was one of the first major battles of the American Civil War, which began when the Confederates launched a surprise attack on the Union forces led by Ulysses S Grant. The battle ended with a Union victory in Tennessee. The battle was significant because after having been defeated by the South quite a few times, the Union got a much needed morale boost through this victory, and it gave them better control of the Mississippi Valley. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was an engagement that prevented the Confederates from invading Maryland, an advance that was viewed as on of the greatest threats the Confederates were able to produce to Washington D.C. The war is known as the deadliest day of fighting on the entire war, as there were many bombings and killings in this incident. The battle's significance is that it gave Lincoln enough confidence to announce his Emancipation Proclamation. -
Issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation
On this date, Abraham Lincoln released the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation right in the midst of the Civil War. He announced that if the Confederates did not put an end to the fighting and rejoin the Union by January 1, 1863, all slaves in the Confederate States would be set free. This event was significant because it paved the way for the complete abolition of slavery, and changed the aim of the war to ending slavery as well as preserving the Union. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought from December 11- December 15 in 1862. It was an early battle in the war, but is considered one of the greatest victories for the Confederates. Led by Robert E. Lee, they were able to beat the Union, with help from the disorganization of the Union Army Generals. This battle was significant because even though the Union greatly outnumbered the Confederacy in men, the Union suffered over twice as many casualties marking their low-point of the war. -
Vicksburg Campaign
The Vicksburg Campaign started in December of 1862 and ended in July of 1863. It was a series of maneuvers and battles directed against Vicksburg Mississippi, which was the last Confederate-owned land that was connected to the Mississippi River. The Union was able to defeat the South and severe their ties to the Mississippi River. This also proved Ulysses S. Grant to be a successful and good war general. This campaign was significant because it gave the Union full control of the Mississippi. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville took place from April 30, 1863- May 6, 1863. This battle was a huge victory for the Confederate Army and Robert E. Lee during the war. However, the battle was not all positive as Confederate General Thomas Jackson was mortally wounded in battle. The Union Army could not circle and destroy the Confederate Army in Northern Virginia, and the Confederates took advantage of that. The battle is significant because it was Lee's greatest victory and gave the South an edge. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1, 1863- July 3, 1863. This was the largest battle of the war as well as the largest battle to have ever been fought in North America. The Union had about 10,000 more men than the South, and were victorious at the hands of General Lee's surrender due to the 25,000 Confederate casualties. This battle was significant because it was a turning point in the war since Lee attempted to invade the North and immediately end the war, but failed. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was given by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. In his address, he discussed the importance of equality, which was promised in the Declaration of Independence. He connected the war to his desire for a new form of freedom for Americans, as well as how important it was to preserve the Union and its ideas of self-government. This event was important because it highlights America's challenges regarding slavery and equality, and those who died for it. -
Overland Campaign May – June 1864
The Overland Campaign took place from May 4- June 24, 1864, and was a series of battles fought in Virginia. Ulysses S. Grant suffered great losses during this campaign, but still secured a Union victory. Grant intended to keep Lee's troops occupied while he and the Union forces headed towards Atlanta. He knew he risked many casualties, but hoped it would help the Union long term. The importance of this campaign is that it was designed to destroy the Northern Virginia Army unlike other campaigns. -
Sherman’s March to the Sea November – December 1864
Sherman’s March to the Sea took place from November 15, - December 21, 1864. The March was led by Union General William Sherman, and he lead about 60,000 soldiers on a march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. The purpose of this march was to attempt to scare Georgia's civilian population and cause them to abandon the Confederate cause. This march was significant because it broke the Confederacy and led to its eventual surrender. It was also one of the more major campaigns of the war. -
Appomattox Campaign
The Appomattox Campaign took place from March 28, - April 9, 1865. It was a series if battles fought in the war that resulted in General Lee's surrender of his group of Confederates to the Union Forces. This caused all of the other Confederate forces to surrender as well, ending the Civil War. This campaign was significant because it was the final battle of the war that resulted in a Union victory. -
Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox
Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox was on April 9, 1865, and occurred after the Appomattox Campaign. He surrendered because after years of relentless fighting, the Union had the Confederates completely surrounded with no possibility of escape. He surrendered on the terms that his men could go back to their homes and keep their swords, as long as they abided by federal law. His surrender was significant because it was the most significant surrender during the war, and finalized a Southern loss.