The Civil War

Lincoln Wins Close Race

Nov 6, 1860

lincoln wins close raceNovember 6, 1860Lincoln Wins Close RaceAbraham Lincoln wins a four-way race for President of the United States. Although he does not win a popular majority and is not even on the ballot in nine southern states, he earns enough electoral votes to beat all other opponents.

Civil War Begins

Apr 12, 1861

civil war begins http://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlApril 12, 1861Civil War BeginsConfederate forces under General P.G.T. Beauregard bombard Major Robert Anderson and his Union soldiers at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War officially begins.

First Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

First Battle of Bull Runhttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlJuly 21, 1861First Battle of Bull RunThe First Battle of Bull Run pits Union General Irvin McDowell against the new Confederate army. McDowell is defeated causing a panicked retreat back to Washington, which is about forty miles away. The withdrawal is hampered by the large numbers of spectators who are there to see the battle.

Merrimac vs. Monitor

Mar 9, 1862

Merrimac vs. Monitorhttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlMarch 9, 1862Merrimac vs. MonitorThe Confederate ironclad USS Merrimac battles the Union ironclad USS Monitor in Chesapeake Bay. The battle is a draw but it makes wooden ships obsolete and ushers in the era of steel warships, changing naval warfare forever.

Robert E. Lee Assumes Command

Jun 1, 1862

Robert E. Lee Assumes Commandhttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlJune 1, 1862
Robert E. Lee Assumes Command
General Robert E. Lee assumes command of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

Seven Day Attacks

Jun 25, 1862

seven day battles June 25, 1862Seven Day AttacksOver the course of seven days, General Robert E. Lee attacks George McClellan's Union Army of the Potomac near Richmond, Virginia. Huge casualties causea McClellan to withdraw north towards Washington.

Second Battle of Bull Run

Aug 30, 1862

Second Battle of Bull Runhttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlAugust 30, 1862
Second Battle of Bull Run
The Second Battle of Bull Run is a resounding victory for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Union General John Pope is blamed for the loss and is relieved of his duties after the battle.

Stonewall Jackson Dies

May 10, 1863

Stonewall Jackson Diehttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlMay 10, 1863
Stonewall Jackson Dies
Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson dies from wounds sustained when he is mistakenly shot by his own troops at Chancellorsville.

Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

Gettysburghttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlJuly 1, 1863GettysburgFrom July 1 to July 4, the Union Army under General Meade defeats Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. One of the bloodiest battles of the war, Gettysburg is a turning point, and marks the farthest advance of the Confederate Army into northern territory.

Lincoln Appoints Grant

Mar 9, 1864

Lincoln Appoints Granthttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlMarch 9, 1864Lincoln Appoints GrantLincoln appoints Ulysses S. Grant commander of all Union armies, ending his long search for a decent general to command northern forces. General William T. Sherman takes over as commander in the West.

Battle of Wilderness

May 4, 1864

Battle of Wildernesshttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlMay 4, 1864
Battle of Wilderness
During the horrific Battle of the Wilderness, thousands of men burn to death as the woods in which they were fighting catch fire.

Lincoln Second Term

Mar 4, 1865

Lincoln Second Termhttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlMarch 4, 1865Lincoln Second TermLincoln is sworn in for his second term as President of the United States.

Siege of Petersburg Ends

Apr 2, 1865

Siege of Petersburg EndsApril 2, 1865Siege of Petersburg EndsThe Siege of Petersburg ends as Ulysses S. Grant's army breaks through Confederate lines and marches towards Richmond.

Lee Surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

Lee Surrendershttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlApril 9, 1865Lee SurrendersGeneral Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Ulysses S. Grant in a farmhouse in the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The war is over.

Lincoln Dies by Assassination

Apr 15, 1865

Lincoln Dies by Assassinationhttp://www.shmoop.com/events/history/us/the-civil-war.htmlApril 15, 1865Lincoln Dies by AssassinationLincoln does not regain consciousness after being shot at Ford's Theater. He dies from his wound.