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Union Naval Blockade (1861-1865)
This naval blockade was created by the Union fleet from 1861-1865. This nautical barrier was created to prevent the export of cotton and the smuggling of warring goods into the Confederacy. Even though this blockade has a couple holes within it, it was a very important strategy made by the Union. The navy prevented Confederates from accessing weapons which the North could manufacture for themselves. However, the blockade was less effective in nations such as Mexico, the Bahamas, and Cuba. -
Battle of Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861 - April 13, 1861)
Fort Sumter was a Union fort above the waters near Charleston, SC. The south bombarded the fort, and soon the north surrendered. This battle was important, as it marked the first battle in the American Civil War. Fort Sumter was also a very important location to hold for the south, as it housed Confederate forces and created a hole in the Union's blockade for the south. -
First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861)
The battle of Bull Run consisted of around 35,000 Union troops going to Washington D.C, plotting to attack around 20,000 Confederates along the river Bull Run. However, the Union was driven out and retreated from a cavalry charge from the Confederates. The Union suffered 2,896 casualties, with 460 killed. This battle's importance lies in the confidence boost given to the south, and the great shock the north felt. The north came to a realization that this war would be much more difficult. -
The Trent Affair (November 8, 1861 - December 1861)
The Trent Affair was a confrontation between the United States and the United Kingdom that created a possibility for war after the U.S. Navy captured two Confederate envoys from a British steamer. The U.K. responded in strong protest. Resolution occurred when the Lincoln administration released the envoys. The Trent Affair and its resolution was important, as it prevented the U.S. from simultaneous war. It also could have acted as a warning for the north not to overact in certain situations. -
Battle of Shiloh (April 6, 1862 - April 7, 1862)
The Battle of Shiloh began when the Confederacy planned a surprise attack on the Union forces, led by Ulysses S. Grant, in southwestern Tennessee. After brief region dominance, the Confederates lost their control of the region and were forced back. Both sides suffered a total of over 23,000 casualties. This victory, although at a high price, showed great significance. Grant was able to begin a great operation in the Mississippi River later in the year. -
Battle of Antietam (September 17, 1862)
The battle of Antietam was a confrontation that interrupted Confederate entrance into Maryland; an invasion that would greatly threaten the national capital. This battle ended in what most believe to be a stalemate, although the Union claims victory in this event. This battle shows great significance, as the Union's containment of the south reaching north allowed for Lincoln to confidently release his Emancipation Proclamation of 1862, and discourage European involvement with the south. -
The Issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation (September 22, 1862)
The issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation was a formal declaration given be President Lincoln, which declared slaves to be forever free. However, this statement would only free those enslaved in the Confederacy, and did not actually free the approximately 4 million slaves. Despite this, this declaration is significant, as it greatly shifted the focus and motive of this Civil War. Instead of a war being fought to preserve the Union, the focus shifted to ending slavery. -
Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11, 1862 - December 15, 1862)
The battle of Fredericksburg was a very deadly battle, having a total estimate of casualties of 12,500 Union soldiers and 6,000 Confederate soldiers.. This battle has the first opposed river crossing in American military history. The Union fail an opportunity to capture Richmond, as they retreat from this battle.This battle was a major defeat for the Union, and was significant as the Union lost a great amount of troops. The Union was also at a very low point at this time of the Civil War. -
The Vicksburg Campaign (December 29, 1862 - January 11, 1863)
The Vicksburg campaign was composed of many maneuvers and battles in Mississippi. This city was the last Confederate-dominant area of the Mississippi River. After many naval and land operations and battles, the Confederates surrendered at Vicksburg. These events show significance, as Texas and Arkansas were removed from the Confederacy, and the Mississippi River was reopened for northern trade to reach the Gulf of Mexico. This campaign was a very major turn in the war in favor of the Union. -
Battle of Chancellorsville (April 30, 1863 - May 6, 1863)
The battle of Chancellorsville was a great Confederate victory, after General Lee executed a split in his outnumbered army. The Union fell back to defensive positions, followed by Lee splitting his army again, sending one to the right flank. After this Confederate victory, General Jackson was mistaken as the enemy, and was shot by a Confederate. This battle was significant, as it razed Union plots of capturing Richmond. However, the south also lost a general and lowered spirits after his death. -
Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 - July 3, 1863)
The battle of Gettysburg was the largest battle in the Civil War, with around 85,000 Union soldiers and around 75,000 Confederate soldiers. General Lee lost over one third of his army, and this battle resulted in a Union victory. General Meade was criticized for not pursuing the Confederate army. This battle was greatly significant, as the south could not replace their army, and foiling Lee's plan to invade the north was the great turning point of the Civil War. -
The Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863)
The Gettysburg Address was a speech given by President Lincoln in 1863. The purpose of this speech was to announce dedicated land to become Soldier's National Cemetery. Lincoln recognized the imperativeness in inspiring the Union to continue fighting in the war, and spoke about the significance in preserving the Union. This speech is important as it explains America's challenges, pays tribute and respect to those who passed, and speaks about slavery and his views on equality. -
The Overland Campaign (May 4, 1864 - Jun 24, 1864)
The Overland Campaign were battles fought in Virginia that ultimately led to a Union victory. These battles took place from early May to late June of 1864, Casualties for the armies rounded to about 55,000 for the Union, and around 33,000 for the Confederate army. This campaign was significant, as General Grant successfully destroyed the Confederate army. -
Sherman’s March to the Sea (November 15 - December 21, 1864)
Sherman's March to the Sea was a strategic advancement made to frighten the Georgian population into abandoning the Confederate cause. Although Sherman's men did not destroy any towns, they stole food, livestock, and burned property to those who attempted to fight in retaliation. This march eventually impaired the Confederacy greatly, which helped to lead to the Confederate surrender. -
Appomattox Campaign (March 29, 1865 - April 9, 1865)
The Appomattox campaign occurred from late March to early April of 1865, and began when General Lee attacked Fort Stedman. After Grant's response attack, Lee was in great trouble and was forced to retreat southwest. He attempted to marched away to reach supplies and meet with another army. The Union captured their supplies, however, and surrounded the Confederates. Lee could not escape without killing his men, so he decided to surrender by signing the Grant-Lee agreement, ending the Civil War. -
Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox (April 9, 1865)
At the Appomattox Court House, General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia of 28,000 men to General Ulysses S. Grant. Lee surrendered to avoid unnecessary sacrifice and destruction towards the south and its people. As the two men spoke, they agreed that the south "not to take up arms against the Government of the United States." Lee's surrender This agreement is significant, as it ultimately and directly led to the end of the Civil War.