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Before the War
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Uncle Tom's Cabin is Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin to show how terrible slavery was in the southern states. This book was published internationally. It became the best selling book of the time that wasn't the Bible. It was popular all over the United States, though in some areas it was banned. Abraham Lincoln once said to Stowe "So you're the little lady who started this big war!" -
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American Civil War
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John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry
On October 16th 1859 abolisionist John Brown and his men held a raid on the United States Federal Armory and Arsenal located in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. His plan was to capture the weapons and travel south freeing the slaves in the south. His raid was unsuccessful and he was tried and found guilty of muder, treason, and inciting a slave rebellion. Brown was hung on December 2, 1859. -
Abe Lincoln elected President of the United States
Lincoln a republican won the election. The United States had been divided on the issue of slavery prior to the election. Lincoln did not have the southern support. Once Lincoln was elected seven southern states broke away from the Union prior to his inaugration. -
South Carolina Secedes from the Union
South Carolina is the first state to secede. Within a few months Georiga, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana follow South Carolian and also secede. -
The Confederate States of America is formed
Southern states form their own country and call themselves the Confederate States of America. Jefferson Davis is elected their president. -
Abraham Lincoln takes office
Lincoln's goal is to restore the Union and deal with the problem of slavery. -
War Beings: Fort Sumter
The Civil War begins, the south attacks Fort Sumter near Charleston, South Carolina. This attack is the first conflict of the war. -
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The War
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More States leave the Union
Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas leave the Union and join the Confederate States of America. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the war. It occured near Manassas, Virginia. The Union goal of this battle was to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond. -
Battle of Antietam
Know as the "bloodiest day in American history," this battle occured along the Antietam creek in Sharpsburg, Maryland. There were over 23,000 casualities and 4,600 deaths. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln issed an executive order freeing all slaves and lays the groundwork for the Thirteenth Amendment. -
West Virginia Becomes a State
West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863. WV was the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state. It was a key border state during the American Civil War. The only other state to be formed during the Civil War was Nevada and that was formed from the Utah Territory. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was a three day battle from July 1st to the 3rd in 1863. It occured around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This battle had the largest number of casualities during the war, both the Union and Confederacy had over 23,000 casualities in three days. For a total of 46,000 casualities. The Battle of Gettysburg is often referred to as the turning point of the war. The Union won, and this was a major victory. After this win the Union starts significantly winning. -
Gettysburg Address
Four and a half months after the Battle of Gettysburg and the Union army defeated the Confederacy, President Lincoln gave one of his most famous speeches... The "Gettysburg Address." Regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history Lincoln proclaimed that the Civil War was a struggle for the preservation of the Union. And that with a new birth of freedom it would give equality to all citizen and states rights would no longer be dominate. -
Sherman Captures Atlanta
General Sherman captures the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Later in the year he would march to the sea and capture Savannah, Georgia. On his way he would destroy and burn much of the land he passed through. -
General Robert E. Lee Surrenders
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulyses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. -
Reconstruction
After General Lee's surrender until about 1877 the southern states went through a period known as Reconstruction. The south became occupied by federal troops while the states sorted out their governments, economies, and infrastructure. This was also a time when schools for newly freed African Americans were formed. For the first time in American history all African Americans had the ability to obtain a public and free education. -
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War is Over
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President Lincoln Assassinated
While attending a performance of "My Favorite Cousin" with his wife Mary, Lincoln was killed by actor John Wilkes Booth at Fords Theater in Washington, DC. He died in the house across the street.
