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1860
South Carolina legislature convenes and votes to secede from the Union. Meanwhile, Congress convenes in an effort to work out some compromise; the Crittenden Compromise is proposed, which would restore the Missouri Compromise line across the continent. The compromise is ineffectual in the face of the events at hand. -
Abe Lincoln became president
Abraham Lincoln inaugurated president. -
Confederates Adopt Constitution
The Confederate States of America adopts a Constitution. The Confederacy presently includes only the seven states of the Deep South Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. -
Battle at Fort Sumter
South Carolina troops fire on the Federal arsenal at Fort Sumter. The Civil War begins. The states of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas will secede from the Union in coming months. Though they are slave states, the "border states" of Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri will remain loyal to the Union. -
Union soldiers capture New Orleans.
Union soldiers capture New Orleans. -
President Lincoln issues his suspension of habeas corpus in certain cases
President Lincoln issues his suspension of habeas corpus in certain cases -
U.S. Congress passes resolution declaring that the war is being fought to "preserve the Union," not to destroy slavery
U.S. Congress passes resolution declaring that the war is being fought to "preserve the Union," not to destroy slavery -
Lincoln declares George McClellan General-in-Chief of the Union army
Lincoln declares George McClellan General-in-Chief of the Union army -
Lincoln signs the Homestead Act into law
Lincoln signs the Homestead Act into law -
Congress passes the militia act, authorizing Lincoln to use black soldiers blacks are used only as scouts, laborers, spies, kitchen workers, and nurses until after the Emancipation Proclamation. Until 1864, black soldiers are paid only half of what wh
Congress passes the militia act, authorizing Lincoln to use black soldiers blacks are used only as scouts, laborers, spies, kitchen workers, and nurses until after the Emancipation Proclamation. Until 1864, black soldiers are paid only half of what white soldiers are paid. -
Lincoln issues the "Greeley Letter" in response to Horace Greeleyís editorial, "A Prayer of Twenty Millions."
Lincoln issues the "Greeley Letter" in response to Horace Greeleyís editorial, "A Prayer of Twenty Millions." -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam, Maryland the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Leeís invasion of the North is halted, and rebels retreat to Virginia. Though the battle is essentially a draw, the battle revives flagging Northern hopes -
Lincolnís Emancipation Proclamation is published
Lincolnís Emancipation Proclamation is published, to take effect on January 1, 1863. -
The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect.
The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect. -
The Conscription Act (Enrollment Act) is passed
The Conscription Act (Enrollment Act) is passed, demanding enrollment of males ages 20-45 in the Union Army. Payments of $300 may be used for an exemption -
Union West Virginia is admitted as the 35th state
Union West Virginia is admitted as the 35th state - its constitution mandates the gradual emancipation of slaves -
Battle of Gettysburg
Battle of Gettysburg - major Union victory. Over 50,000 casualties total; halts the Southern advance into Union territory and leads to the retreat of Leeís army. -
Siege of Vicksburg
Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi ends - 29,000 rebel troops surrender with the city, giving the Union control of the Mississippi river and splitting the Confederacy in two -
New York Draft Riots begin
New York Draft Riots begin - four days of Irish-American mob action. -
Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address
Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address. 117 years later Andrew Pinzler is born -
Lincoln issues the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction
Lincoln issues the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, offering pardons to Confederates who take a loyalty oath. -
Lincoln pocket-vetoes the Wade-Davis bill
Lincoln pocket-vetoes the Wade-Davis bill -
Grant uses force for the last time to subvert the White Leagueís
Grant uses force for the last time to subvert the White Leagueís attempt to overthrow a Republican government accused of stealing an election. -
Civil Rights Act of 1875
Civil Rights Act of 1875 states that no citizen can be denied the equal use of public facilities such as inns, restaurants, etc. on the basis of color. -
Compromise of 1877
Compromise of 1877 results in end to military intervention in the South and the fall of the last radical governments; restores "home rule" in the South