American Civil War

Abraham Lincoln is elected president

Nov 6, 1860

Lincoln won presidency without support from the South

South Carolina secedes

Dec 20, 1860

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the United States

Confederacy is formed

Feb 28, 1861

Since they viewed their self-determination and government control as threatened, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas formed the Confederate States of America and elect Jefferson Davis as their president.

Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

Confederate soldiers began firing at Fort Sumter which marked the start of the Civil War.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

Grant and Buell (Union) defeated Confederacy under Johnston.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

The Battle of Antietam marks the bloodiest day in American history.

Emancipation Proclamation

Jan 1, 1863

With the Emancipation Proclamation President Lincoln abolished slavery in states of the Confederacy. This was not only a moral act but also military strategy.

Battle of Gettysburg

1863

Confederate General Robert E. Lee was defeated when he invaded the North.

Siege of Vicksburg

1863

Union General Ulysses S. Grant sieged and captured Vicksburg, an important point to control waterways on the Mississippi river.

Grant appointed commander of all Union armies

Mar 9, 1864

Lincoln appointed Ulysses S. Grant commander of all Union armies.

13th amendment

Jan 31, 1865

With establishing the 13the amendment slavery was abolished in all states of the United Sates.

Appomattox Court House

Apr 9, 1865

At Appomattox Court House the Confederacy surrenders.