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The Civil War
Thee are the events of the Civil War. From the beginnig to the end, you will learn about one of the most historic wars in American History. -
Abraham Lincoln Wins the Election of 1860
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Election of 1860. Lincoln, during the contest had 39 percent of the popular votes. He had 180 electoral votes and 1,865,593 popular votes. Beckinridge, another candidate, had 72 electoral votes and 848,356 popular votes. Douglas, another candidate, had 12 electoral votes and 1,382,713 popular votes. Bell, the final candidate, had 39 electoral votes and 592,906 popular votes. Abraham Lincoln won by the electoral vote. He became the 16th president of the U.S. -
South Carolina: First State to Secede
To the South, Abraham Lincoln's presidency meant the end of slavery and their very way of life. So, in South Carolina, the entire population of white men supported slavery. This caused South Carolina to secede from the Union. Later, many other states from the South seceded. They joined together to form the Confederacy.
source: "Creating America" textbook -
Anaconda Plan
The North, eager to bring the South back into the Union, devised an offensive plan based on General Winfield Scott's "Anaconda Plan." This plan was designed to smother the South's economy, like the Anaconda snake squeezing the life out of it's prey. This plan called for a naval blockade on the South's coast, that way they could trade cotton with the outside world. It also urged the importance of gaining control of the Mississippi River. But this plan would take a lot of time
to take effect. -
Attack on Fort Sumter
As the Southern states secede, they begin to take Union Forts along with them. It is now decision time for Abraham Lincoln, what to do with the remaining forts. He decides to send supplies to Fort Sumter, because they are in great need of them. But the Confederacy decides to stop them. On April 12 at 4:30 am, the Confederacy fires at the Fort for 34 cosecutive hours, until the soldiers guarding the area have no choice but to give up. -
Draft Laws
In the spring of !862, the South passes the Draft Laws. The Drat Laws states that every able-bodied white man between the age of 15 to 45 is required to join the army. But there are ways around it, such as those who owned 20 slaves or more could stay home, and wealthy men could hire substitutes. The North passed their Draft Law in March 1863. The wealthy could hire substitutes as in the south, however the army offered a $300 bounty to those who participated, so many did not avoid it. -
Fall of New Orleans
David Farragut led his men to victory when he captured New Orleans, the largest southern city. It took him a lot of work, too. he had to dodge burning rafts and run through cannon fire from the battle. When they got to the shore, the residents swore at the rebels, but the Southern residents were powerless to stop them. Now with the loss of New Orleans, part of the plan was complete.
source: "Creating America" textbook -
Battle of Antietam
After invading Maryland, General Robert E. Lee, a confederate general, draws his plans for his campaign in the North. But, accidentally, one of Lee's officers leaves behind a copy of his plans at the camp. When General George McClellan takes a break at this now abandoned campsite, this gives a chance for the general to attack Lee's army. Some time later, on September 17th, McClellan clashes with Lee and his army. The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in the Civil War. -
The Emancipation Proclamation
After the Battle of Antietam, President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation stated that all slaves that were fighting against the Union were freed. This was originally enforced to end slavery, but after the Confederacy denied this new law against them, the Emancipation Proclamation shifted the focus of the war. This also helped the African Americans fight for their freedom. -
Battle of Gettysburg
In late June, Lee crosses over into Southern Pennsylvania. He recieved news about a shoe supply and decided to investigate. Here, he finds the Confederate forces. Both sides call for reinforcements, and the Battle of Gettysburg begins, that lasts for a little more than a month. The turning point is on July 3, 1863. Lee orders General Pickett to lead a direct attack, but Pickett's Charge, as it became known, was torn apart. Lee retreats, but yet again, nobody goes after him. -
Siege of Vicksburg
General Grant, in Early May of 1863, decides to launch an attack on the last fort of the South, Vicksburg. But his direct attacks do not work. So, he decides to set out for a long siege instead. The people within the fort become so desperate they begin to eat dogs, mules, and even rats. After a month and a half, the people within the fort give up on July 4, 1863. The Union has gained complete control over the Mississippi River. The Cofederacy is split in two.
source: "Creating America" textboo -
The Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a 273-word speech that was given after the Battle of Gettysburg. The Gettysburg Address was is known as one of the most important sppeches in American history. In his speech, Abraham Lincoln invoked the principles of human equality. -
Lee Surrenders to Grant
Lee flees to the West, from the aftermath of the Battle of the Wilderness. Even though Lee wants to attack Grant and his army, but he knows deep down that this is not possible. He only has one other choice. Later, he sends a message to Grant; he agrees to surrender. On April 9th, 1865, the two generals meet in the Appomatox to decide the terms of surrender. Grant's terms were rather generous: the South could return home with their belongings after they laid down their arms. The war ended.
