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Abraham Lincoln Elected President (first term)
Lincoln wins the presidential election and becomes the 16th president of the United States. His election causes the south to become furious, afraid that Lincoln will ban slavery. Lincoln's election as president causes southern states to secede from the Union. -
The Confederate States of America is formed
The south was furious that Lincoln was elected president. They wanted to leave the union, and they did. The states of Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, and South Carolina formed the Confederacy. They elected Jefferson Davis as thier president. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
On April 12, confederates attacked Fort Sumter. The confederates wanted to seize the fort, and this battle started the civil war. The confederates ended up winning the fort and Lincoln said the south was in rebellion. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle of the Civil War. The confederates won and the north realized that they would not win this war quickly and that the south was not going down without a fight. -
USS Monitor v. CSS Virginia
On March 9, two ironclad ships engaged in battle. After hours of fighting, the ships were not severly damaged, but the Union ship (the monitor) forced the Confederate ship (the Virginia) to retreat. This changed how ships would be made from now on and how battles were fought on the seas. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Union won the Battle of Shiloh even though they were taken unawares. During the battle, Gen. Johnston was killed and in the end, the union gained better control of the Mississippi river valley. -
Union Captures New Orleans
On April 24 war ships led by David Farragut were covered in heavy chains and mud, and trees were tied to their masts in an attempt to slip past the guarded entrance to New Orleans. They made it past safely and shortly after the port of New Orleans fell. This was the biggest city in the confederacy and it also gave the union control of the opening to the Mississippi river. -
Seven Days Battles
The Seven Days Battles were a series of battles led by Gen. Lee. These battles forced the Union soldiers led by Gen. McClellan to retreat from near Richmond, Virginia. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
The Second Battle of Bull Run was won by the confederates. Because they won this battle, Gen. Lee wanted to go fight in the North. Also, there were many casualties in this batttle. -
Battle of Antietam
The battle of Antietam was between McClellan and Lee. This battle was the bloodiest single day battle of the Civil War. Also, this battle stopped Lee from advancing north. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
The Confederates won the battle of Fredericksburg. Gen. Burnside was the commander of the Union army and he went up against Gen. Lee. This battle had major casualties, with the Union having the majority of them. Shortly after the union lost this batlle, Lincoln replaced Gen. Burnside with Gen. Hooker. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which would free the confederate slaves. Unfortunatley, the north couldn't enforce the proclamation, but slaves ended up escaping when the union troops came near. Because the south lost a lot of their slaves, it was hard for them to fight the war. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
The confederates won the battle of Chancellorsville. This battle is considered by some to be Lee's greatest victory. Also, Gen. Jackson died in this battle and there were heavy casualties. -
Siege of Vicksburg
The Union won the siege of Vicksburg and this battle was a major step in the Union winning the Civil War. It allowed the Union to take control of the mississippi river and this was one part of Winfield Scott's plan. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the war because General Lee wouldn't have another attack in the north and it raised moral for the northerners who believed they could win the war. Also, the South couldn't get help from Great Britian or France after they lost. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a speech that President Lincoln made to honor the union soldiers. This speech encouraged him and others that they would win the Civil War. -
Battle of Cold Harbor
The confederates won this battle and it is known as Gen. Grants worst defeat. It delayed his plands to take Richmond, Virginia. Also, the union suffered heavy casualties. -
The siege of Petersburg
The siege of Petersburg was one of the last battles of the Civil War. Gen. Grant weakened Gen. Lee's army and Lee retreated from the cities of Richmond and Petersburg. Shortly after the siege of Petersburg ended, Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Courthouse after being trapped. -
Shermans March to the Sea
Sherman marched his troops towards the sea while they destroyed things like railways, bridges, crops, and livestock to ruin the souths economy. The destruction was 60 miles wide in the end, and the south was furious at the north. -
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse
Gen. Lee was surrounded by the Union troops and he realized that it was hopeless to win. Gen. Lee and Gen. Grant decided to meet. During this meeting, Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant and ended the Civil War.
