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Election of 1860
Presidential Election of 1860On this day, Republican presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln wonn the prediential election over Stephen Douglas, John Breckenridge, John Bell. Many southerners feared that if Lincoln was elected, he would abolish slavery. When he was elected, the South seceded from the Union to form their own nation, called the Confederate States of America. -
Secession of Southern States
Secession CrisisWhen Abraham Lincoln was elected President, South Carolina, a slave state, seceded, or left the Union. Once South Carolina seceded, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas left also. Later, on December 23rd, delegates from all these states met in Alabama and made their own nation; the Confederate States of America. They elected a new president, Jefferson Davis, and wrote a new constitution. -
The Attack on Fort Sumter
Fort SumterA few months after the seccesion of the southern states, Confederates attacked Fort Sumter, SC. Fort Sumter was a federal fort at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. After the fort's surrender, President Licoln said that the South had rebelled. This is the beginning of the Civil War. -
First Battle of Bull Run
First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)The First Battle of Bull Run was also the first battle of the Civil War. It took place at a creek south of Washington named Bull Run. In the beginning, the Confederates were driven back by Union troops. However, Confederate reinforcements were coming. When they arrived, the Union was driven back and retreated. -
Battle of Shiloh
ShilohSince the Union wanted control of the Mississippi River region, General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union army led his forces into Tennessee. However, in the beginning, the Union was caught off guard by the Confederates and was repelled. During the night, though, Union reinforcements arrived and forced the Confederates to retreat. -
Seven Days' Battles
Seven Days BattlesAfter losing the First Battle of Bull Run, Lincoln sent Union forces into Virginia. There sre called the Seven Days' Battles because six battles took place on seven days. The Confederates had many losses, but forced the Union to retreat. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
Second Battle of Bull RunAfter the Union's retreat at the Seven Days' Battles, Lincoln commanded Genreal John Pope to attack Richmond, Virginia from Washington. However, the Union was ambushed by the Confederates, and the Union lost the battle. -
Battle of Antietam
AntietamThe Confederates wanted to win a battle on Union turf, so they invaded Maryland.The two sides collided at Antietam Creek, hence the name of the battle. This was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War timeline, and one of the bloddiest U.S battles. General Lee of the Confederacy lost one third of his army, after losing an important battle to the Union. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation After recent the recent Union victory at Antietam, President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation. This stated that all of the slave in states not at war to be freed. Although this did not end slavery immediately, it called for their freedom on January 1, 1863. After the Emancipation Proclamation about 18,000 African Americans served in the Union army. -
Battle of Gettysburg
GettysburgGeneral Lee of the Confederates marched his troops into Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Starting off, the Confederates pushed back the Union. One day later, though, the Union repeled the Confederates. Lee then commanded Gen. George Pickett to attack, in what's known as Pickett's Charge, in which 15,000 of his men were killed. Lee soon retreated, restoring faith in the Union. -
Siege of Vicksburg
The Battle of VicksburgAfter recent success at Shiloh, the Union continued down the Mississippi River. Officer David Farragut took over many port cities, such as New Orleans. However, the heavily defended city of Vicksburg blocked passage to more port towns. General Grant attacked the city in May. After the siege going on for two months, the Confederates finally surrendered. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg AddressAfter the Union's victory of Gettysburg, Lincoln went to the cemetary there and delivered his Gettysburg Address. In this speech he memorialized those who had fallen and honored the Union. -
Sherman's March
Sherman's MarchSherman's MarchWhile Lee was at battle with the Confederacy, General Sherman (also from the Union) marched south with his men, destroying and capturing Georgia, and North and South Carolina. Sherman's success in battle helped Licoln win his second term in office. -
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse
Appomattox Court House After repeatedly getting cut off and attacked by the Union, General Lee was trapped. Lee and Grant Both met at the TOWN of Appomattox Courthouse. Lee's surrender marked the end of the war, although fighting continued for a short while longer when both sides didn't know of the surrender.
