U.S. History Civil War Timeline

Compromise of 1850

Jan 29, 1850

Compromise of 1850 abolished slavery in Washington D.C. and passed the Fugitive Slave Act of where citizens were required to apprehend runaway slaves, causing a victory for the south.

South falls apart

1856

Grant is placed in command of all union forces and has a captain start the Sherman's march to the sea, targeting civilians to put fright into the confederates.

Harper's Ferry Raid

Oct 16, 1859

John Brown and his five sons all raid a federal armory in Virginia trying to start an armed slave revolt, but failed and they all were killed.

Election of 1860

Nov 6, 1860

Lincoln won the election without any electoral votes causing democratic parties to split up over the issue of slavery.

South leaves and creates the Confederates

1861

South Carolina was the first state to leave the Union, but soon after many other states left and formed the Confederate States of America.

War starts

Apr 6, 1861

Lincoln sends food and medical supplies to Fort Sumter and the confederates open fire on fort taking it over.

First Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

First major battle. Union was winning until Stonewall Jackson and his men made a stand for the confederates and won.

Antietam, Maryland

Sep 17, 1862

The Union found the plans of the confederates wrapped around a couple of cigars, but Lee invades the north and kills at least 12,000 in the first 3 hours of the battle.

Emancipation Proclamation

Sep 22, 1862

The emancipation proclamation freed all enslaved people in rebellious states on January 1, 1863, and it keeps foreign help for confederates away.

Chancellersville

Apr 30, 1863

Lee had his greatest victory by taking a risk and splitting up his army but lost for Jackson was shot in the arm by his own men and killed.

Turning Point

Jul 1, 1863

The battle of Gettysburg is known as the turning point for Lee is looking for supplies causing the union to have an advantage. The union took the advantage and attacked and won the battle.

Lee surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

Lee surrenders to Grant at the Appomattox Court House ending the civil war.

Lincoln killed

Apr 14, 1865

John Wilkes Booth sneaks in behind Lincoln while he is watching a musical in his booth and shoots him in the back of the head then runs away, but later is caught and killed.

14th Amendment

Jul 28, 1868

The 14th amendment was passed so that all people who were born in the United States were citizens. It also prevented former confederates from holding political offices.

15th Amendment

Mar 3, 1870

Passes the rule that no citizen could be denied the right to vote based on color or race or previous servitude.