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Bull Run (Manassas), 1st battle
Gen. McDowell leads 30,000 men against Gen. Johnston's 22,000 Southern troops in an attempt to crush the rebels and go "On to Richmond." South scores victory as Union troops flee back to Washington in disarray. McDowell replaced by Gen. McClellan -
Lincoln was elected president.
even Though winning in the electoral college, Lincoln's lack of a popular majority is an indication of the problems he would face with a seeperated nation. -
the Confederacy is formed
Seven states form Confederacy, write their own constitution, and plan for an independent nation -
Lincoln gets inaugurated
Lincoln enters Washington D.C. in disguise because of unrest. Southerners begin seizing federal posts. -
Ft. Sumter attacked
Lincoln decides to supply Ft. Sumter, but wants the South to fire the first shot. -
Ft. Henry & Ft. Donelson
Gen. Grant captures two forts on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Confederates forced out of Kentucky and yield much of Tennessee -
Monitor vs. Merrimac
First ironclad battle in history ends in a draw as the Merrimac withdraws after daylong exchange of fire. Union blockade of South is maintained -
Gettysburg
Over 165,000 soldiers participate in the largest battle in the Western Hemisphere. After three days of fighting, Lee retreats, leaving 4,000 dead Confederates. Total casualties: 23,000 Union, 28,000 Confederates -
Atlanta to Savannah