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Civil War Timeline
Civil War Timeline -
Jefferson Davis Speaks for Slavery
On February 2nd 1860, Jefferson Davis an Mississippi Senator gives a speech that explains the pros of slavery and why it should be allowed in the Southern territories. He also explained the reasons why the nation should protect slaveholders. This shows how his intention of this speech was to convince people to keep slavery and unite everybody as one to go against the North -
Lincoln becomes a Candidate
On February 27, 1860 Abraham Lincoln, who was just a lawyer from Springfield, Illinois, gave a speech in New York City also known as the Cooper Union Speech, that was had many good reasons and an argument against the spread of slavery which overall made the citizens of the Union notice him making him a overnight candidate for the upcoming election. -
Lincoln visits Five Points
Abraham Lincoln visited the Five Point on March 11th 1860, the most notorious for overcrowded urban district inhabited by very poor people He spent time with children at a Sunday school, and an account of his visit later appeared in newspapers during his presidential campaign gaining more people on his side -
Pony Express
The Pony Express was a way that people could communicate with each other faster than ever before. On April 14th 1860 the first Pony Express delivery was made but as time goes on the telegraph system was invented putting the Pony Express out of business -
Constitutional Union Party
The Constitutional Union Party was a political party in the United States which ran against the Republicans and Democrats as a fourth party in the election. It was made up of former Whigs who wanted to avoid secession over the slavery issue. At this meeting the U.S. Constitutional Union Party nominated John Bell for President of the United States. -
Abraham Lincoln is Elected
Abraham Lincoln was elected as the sixteenth president of the United States. He was also the first Republican president who represent a party that opposes the spread of slavery -
Southern Secession Mainfesto
December 13th 1860, Seven senators and twenty three other representatives sit down and issue an manifesto that states the Southern secession from the Union. -
The First Secession Convention Meets
On December 17th, 1860 the first secession convention meets in Columbia, South Carolina. This convention of the people voted on whether or not to secede from the Union. -
South Carolina Seceded
On December 20th, 1860, South Carolina was the first Southern slave state to declare that they have seceded from the United States -
South Carolina's Ordinance of Secession
South Carolina after seceding from the United States issues the "Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify the Secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union" where the government writes their reasons of leaving from the United States -
Confederate States were Formed
The Confederate States of America is formed with Jefferson Davis as President. He was a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer. -
Abraham Lincoln becomes President
Lincoln ofically goes into office and becomes the 16th President of the Unites States. He represented the Republican Party and wanted to end slavery. -
Creation of the Confederate Flag
On March 4th 1861, the flag that would represent the Confederate side was adopted known as the "Stars and Bars". The flag is a symbol of slavery and oppression some say while other say it purely represents the Southern history and pride. Mostly created for the purpose of not being mistaken for the Union Flag -
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is a sea fort in Charleston, South Carolina where the first shots of the Civil War were fired and is known as the first battle of the Civil War -
Lincoln Summons the Troops
Lincoln orders all the Northern States to supply a strong militia of 75,000 that would be able to serve for the country and restore the Union. -
Proclamation of Blockade
President Lincoln issues a Proclamation of Blockade against Southern ports that for the duration of the war the blockade limits the ability of the rural South to stay well supplied in its war against the industrialized North. -
Battle of Big Bethel
This was the very first land battle of the Civil war that is also called the First Blood at Big Bethel where the first blood was shed of this war. The results of this battle was a Confederate Victory. -
Lincoln Requests Army
At this part of the war, Lincoln calls Congress and request the enlistment of an Union Army. Which they authorize his request and get 500,000 more men to come and fight in the war. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of the Bull Run also known as the First Manassas was the first major battle of the Civil War. Where the Confederate troops got a victory against the Union -
Trent Incident
On November 8, 1861,a U.S. Navy Officer captured two Confederate envoys aboard the British mail ship named the Trent where Great Britain accused the United States of violating British neutrality which created a diplomatic crisis between the United States and Great Britain during the Civil War. -
Capturing of Nashville
After the Siege of Fort Donelson where the Confederates surrendered the South evacuated Nashville. Making this the very first Confederate state capital to fall in the hands of the other side, Union. -
Surprised Attack at Shiloh
Confederates surprise attack on General Grant's and his unprepared troops at Shiloh the results in a bitter struggle with 13,000 Union killed and wounded and 10,000 Confederates, more men than in all previous American wars combined. -
Abolition in the District of Columbia
President Lincoln on April 16th 1862 passed an act that abolished slavery in the District of Columbia which was a important step into ending slavery overall in the United States -
The Battle of Seven Pines
May 31st 1862, Confederate General Johnston was attempting to attack the troops that were in front of Richmond. The outcome of this battle was that the Confederates almost defeated the Union but Johnston their General got wounded and they retreated. -
Seven Days Battles
Seven Days Battles were a series of six major battles throughout the span of days from June 25th- July 1, 1862. All battles located in Virginia resulting in a Confederate Victory -
The Second Battle of Bull Run
The Second Battle of Bull Run also known as the Battle of Second Manassas was fought on the same ground as the first battle here that was one of the first battle of the Civil War. This battle was a lot more violent with a lot more casualties resulting in a Confederate victory. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was fought on September 17th, 1862 where an engagement halted the Confederates from keep moving pasted Maryland to get more supplies but broke out into a battle. The outcome of this battle was over 23,000 casualties in an estimated 12 hours where Confederates gained the land but was an Union victory. -
Twenty Slave Law
The Twenty Slave Law specifically states that Confederate military service one white man for every twenty slaves owned on a plantation and that for every two or more plantations within five miles of each other that collectively had twenty or more slaves. -
McClellan gets Fired
After the Battle of Antietam, President Lincoln was not happy with the result and the strategies that General McClellan has been putting out at battle. In result, Lincoln removed him from command and got replaced -
Battle of Fredericksburg
December 11 through 15th of 1862 the Battle of Fredericksburg was fought. Resulting in this fight was a Confederate victory but now is known as one of the greatest Confederate victories in the whole Civil War. Over 12,000 casualties of the Union troops and two Union generals were wounded. This battle is also the 10th most costliest land battle of the Civil War -
Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1st 1863, Lincoln issued an order that stated to freeing all slaves held in geographical ares in rebellion, Confederates, if they did not return to the Union by this date. -
Military Draft
The Military Draft on March 3rd, 1863 was when Congress enacts the first draft in history requiring every man between the ages 20-46 including immigrants to serve in the army unless they can pay the government $300. This led to riots in the cities making a lot of citizens unhappy even death in these riots. -
Southern Bread Riots
On April 2nd 1863, An estimated amount of 5,000 people, mostly women who are on the poorer side, riot in Richmond to protest the increasing price of bread. This riot included them violently invading shops and stores because of these raising prices. -
The Battle of Chancellorsville
From April 30th to May 6th 1963 the Battle of Chancellorsville was fought where is considered the Confederate General Robert E. Lee's greatest victory throughout the Civil War. This is because the Union forces were almost double the Confederates but Lee came up with a plan that resulted in a Confederate Victory throughout those days. -
Homestead Act
Lincoln signed the Homestead Act allowing settlers to claim land, 160 acres, after they have lived on it for five years. Which allowed any American, including freed slaves, to put in a claim for up to 160 free acres of federal land. -
West Virginia becomes its own state
After Virginia left the Union to become a part of the Confederate because she was unwilling to fight against her southern states. But there was still people did not want to be apart of the Confederate so they became there own state, West Virginia -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863 in which it is now considered one of the most important engagement of the American Civil War and One of the Bloodiest Battles in the War, the most casualties. Union forces won against the Confederates. -
Union secures Mississippi River
On July 4th 1863 the Confederates surrender Vicksburg to Ulysses S. Grant, which resulted in securing the Mississippi River for the Union. The Vicksburg campaign was one of the Union’s most successful wins of the war. The Mississippi River was a big key part for the Confederates transporting supplies and goods to eachother -
The Battle of Honey Springs
The Battle of Honey Springs was fought on July 17th, 1863 which was a very important battle for the Union forces. This is because they were fighting over the land to gain control of the Indian territory. -
The Battle of Chickamauga
On September 19th through 20th the Union and Confederates fought in southern Tennessee. This battle is considered the largest Confederate victory and the second costliest battle of the Civil War with over 34,000 casualties combined. -
Battle of Athens
Battle of Athens, Confederate troops of about 600 men attempt to take Athens attack about 100 Union troops at 4 am on January 26th 1864. This battle resulted with the Confederate retreated even though they outnumbered the Union and they had the advantage. -
Escape from Libby Prison
On February 9th 1964, 109 Union officers dug their way out from the Libby Prison which was the largest and most sensational escape out of the whole war. After escaping 48 of the soldiers were captured some killed while the other survived and went back up north into the Union -
Ulysses S Grant became General of the Union
Ulysses S. Grant is named general-in-chief of the Union armies by the President himself which he hopes with his great mind will make good choices and win the War for the Union -
Battle of Fort Pillow
The Battle of Fort Pillow is not known for the battle itself being fought its most known for the ending the battle where the Fort Pillow massacre. The massacre was with the African- American Union troops attempting to surrender but the Confederate refused to treat the African American like traditional people in the war. -
Battle of Monocacy
Known as the "Battle the Saved Washington" this battle Confederate troops moved up north to drive Union troops away from moving forward but when faced with troops Union got defeated. -
The Battle of Cedar Creek
The Battle of Cedar Creek, the Confederates troops marched all night and arrived in the early morning while the Union were still in their tents. The purpose of this surprise attack was for simply pride and just so that the Union was not prepared and they could win a battle. -
Election of 1864
Abraham Lincoln defeated Democrat George B. McClellan becoming President of the United States again for another term. As the election occurred during the American Civil War, it was contested only by the states that had not seceded from the Union which Lincoln was convinced that he was going to lose. -
Sherman's March to Sea
From November 15th to December 21st 1864, Union General Sherman led an estimated 60,000 soldier on a march that was over 285 miles from Atlanta to Savannah Georgia where they captured the city. The purpose of the march in the first place was the frighten the civilian population into abandon the Confederate cause. -
Gettysburg Address
A speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln that was a dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery for all the soldiers that were killed at the battle of Gettysburg. -
Completion of the March to the Sea
After the scattered Georgia troops try to get Sherman's army but as they arrive into Savannah, Georgia they finally complete the famous "March to the Sea" campaign that began on the 16th of November. -
Fort Fisher Capturing
Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the Civil war that protected the vital trading route of the port in North Carolina until January 16th 1865 were the North captured this fort making the last southern seaport that was open to blockade runner and commercial shipping. -
Battle of Appomattox Station
This Battle of Appomattox Station occurred because Lee was trying to get to the Station because there was trains full of supplies when the Union heard about this news they also tried to get to Appomattox Station which ended up as a Union victory -
Battle of Appomattox Courthouse
This battle was the last major battle of the Civil War because Confederate troops attempted to escape from the day before but stopped before they could where then General Robert E. Lee would surrender to General Grant ending the Civil War. -
Abraham Lincoln gets Assassiated
Abraham Lincoln our the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated by the actor John Wilkes Booth while at a play "Our American Cousin" at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. -
Andrew Johnson becomes President
After the tragic assassination of Lincoln on April 14th 1865 by John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's Vice President Andrew Johnson becomes President of the United States. -
Confederates sign Surrender Document
On April 26th 1865, General Johnston signs the surrender document for the Confederate Army of the Tennessee and his other troops located in North Carolina, which as the days goes on other Generals of the south start to do they same including Generals from Alabama, Mississippi, etc. -
Capturing of President Davis
May 10th, 1986 in Irwinville, Georgia, Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured with his wife as well. Now the place he was captured by the United States Cavalry is where the Jefferson Davis Memorial Historic Site. -
Battle of Palmito Ranch
On May 13, 1865, even though more than a month ago Confederates surrendered to the Union, the last land battle of the Civil War took place at Palmito Ranch. This battle took place because Earlier in the war the Union army had briefly occupied Brownsville but had been unable to hold the city where confederates attacked and won the battle. -
Thirteenth Amendment Ratified
On December 18th, 1865 the 13th amendment was ratified by Congress. The Thirteenth Amendment states, "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction" meaning that slavery is abolished in the United States -
Ku Klux Klan
On December 24th 1865 in Tennessee the Ku Klux Klan which was a Klan where their purpose was the restoration of white supremacy through violence aimed at the newly free African Americans. -
Red Cloud's War
Red Cloud's War was an armed conflict between the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Northern Arapaho on one side and the United States in Wyoming and Montana territories. From 1866 to 1868 the war was fought over control of the Powder River Country in central Wyoming. -
Black Codes
The Black Codes were laws passed by Southern states throughout the whole year of 1866 in the United States after the losing the Civil War between the Union with the purpose of restricting African Americans' freedom, and of compelling them to work in a labor economy based on low wages or debt. -
Freedman's Bureau Bill
Congress passed the New Freedmans Bureau Bill after it was vetoed by the President. Freedmans Bureau was an organization to help the millions of former slaves and poor whites in the South after the aftermath of the Civil War -
Andrew Johnson Vetoes Bill
On March 27th, President Andrew Johnson vetoes the bill of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 which defined citizenship and protected all citizens by law. -
Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act declared that protect all Persons in the United States in their Civil Rights and to define citizenship and affirm that all citizens are equally protected by the law. It was passed by Congress over the veto of President Andrew Johnson. -
Congress Overrides
After the passing of Civil Rights Act of 1886 granting citizens to be protected President Johnson vetoes the bill not wanting it to be passed. Well resulting that the Congress meets and with an vote the Congress overrides the Presidents veto on the Act. -
Tennessee become a US State
After seceeding from the United States during the Civil War Tennessee becomes the first United State to readmitted into the Union after losing the war. -
Honoring General Grant
On July 25th 1866 the United States Congress passed legislation authorizing the rank of the General of the Army, which is an officer of the highest rank in the US Army, to General Ulysses S. Grant. -
14th Amendment was Passed
On June 13th 1866, The United States Congress passed the 14th amendment. This amendment extends the liberties and rights of the former slaves that were just granted by the Bill of Rights and the 13th amendment. -
Peace with Texas
On August 20th 1866, President Andrew Johnson issued a Proclamation of Peace with Texas. -
African American Men can Vote
On January 8th 1867, African American men are now allowed and granted the right to vote in the District of Columbia -
First Reconstruction Act of 1867
The Reconstruction Acts outlined the conditions under the Confederate states would be readmitted to the the Union after the Civil War. On March 2nd, The first Reconstruction Act was passed by Congress -
2nd Reconstruction Act
On March 23, the Congress of the United States passed a second Reconstruction Act over the President, Andrew Johnson's, veto. This act altered the first in method of counting votes it consisted of the roots of the civil rights movement with the actions of the government and which Congress provided full political rights for African Americans. -
Lincoln Memorial
On March 29th 1867, Congress approved the making of the Lincoln Memorial. It was made to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, as he was assassinated and murdered at a play by John Wilkes Booth. -
United States acquires Alaska
U.S. buys Alaska from Russia for the sum of $7.2 million. Alaska in land area is a estimated 663,268 square miles making it the biggest land in the United States. -
African Americans Voted
On April 1st 1867, African American men in Tuscumbia, Alabama got to cote in the municipal election. Military officials set aside the electron pending clarification on electoral procedures. -
South Began with African American Voting
After passing the first and second Reconstruction Act the South slowly started to start the idea. On May 1st 1867, the South began the Reconstruction with African American voter registration. -
First Elevated Railroad
July 2nd the very first elevated railroad in the USA began service in New York. This railroad transferred passengers and goods around making it faster to see people, to ship goods, and communicate faster as well -
First All African American University
On September 25th 1867, Congress created the first African American university, Howard Univ, in Washington D.C. First was a training facility for African American preachers until it was decided it was gonna become a school. They named it after the Civil war hero General Oliver Howard who was serving as the Commissioner of the Freedmans Bureau. -
Congress looks into Impeachment
After the countless overrides of vetoes and the poor decisions that the Congress disagrees with and has to fix. The Congress commission starts looking into the impeachment of President Johnston.
