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Civil War Timeline Charles Thumm
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Lynn, Massachusetts shoe maker strike succeeds.
The financial panic of 1857 sent the country into a long economic depression. Many shoe makers lost their jobs and racked up huge debts, and when they returned to their jobs they were working up to 16 hours a day for $3 dollars a week. When the shoe makers wanted to meet with their employers, they refused. This lead to 3000 shoe makers leaving their job in Lynn, Massachusetts. This would lead to thousands of other shoe makers going on strike, massing a group of over 40000 shoe makers on strike. -
First Pony Express reaches Sacramento, California.
This was the first successful mail delivery made by the Pony Express. The mail was being delivered from St Joseph, Missouri. It took 11 days and 75 horses to make the trip. -
Democratic Convention in Charleston, South Carolina. Division over slavery.
The convention was highlighted by the idea of South Carolina remaining a slave state or not. The issue was that slavery was a vital part of the Southern economy, although some found it morally wrong. In conclusion, the importance of the economy overruled moral standards. -
Lincoln selected as candidate for Republican Party.
Lincoln's debates with Douglas over slavery would bring him attention from the Republican party. Although he lost the race for senate, he was selected as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Presidency -
Charles Goodyear dies.
Charles Goodyear was the chemist behind the creation of vulcanized rubber. He was on his way to see his dying daughter in New York City. After learning she already died, he collapsed and was taken to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where he would die at age 59. -
Abraham Lincoln elected president.
Lincoln is elected the first Republican president, winning against a deeply divided Democratic party. Once Douglas lost to Lincoln in November, southern states began threatening their secession. -
First Secession Convention meets in South Carolina
The convention was highlighted by the idea of South Carolina seceding the Union. Ultimately, because of how losing slavery greatly threatened their economy, the secession from the Union became an accepted plan. -
Secession Crisis attempts solution through Crittenden Compromise
Kentucky senator John Crittenden proposed the compromise as a solution to the nearing battle that would become known as the Civil War. It proposed a line drawn already in the Missouri compromised, and received much support from southern states. But, Lincoln did not approve and neither did northern republicans, so the compromise was dissolved. -
South Carolina secedes from the Union.
South Carolina leaves the Union in spite of Lincoln being elected for president. South Carolina is the very first state to secede from the Union -
South Carolina publishes their Declaration of secession
This was the official document stating the secession of South Carolina. This document listed the Constitutional reasoning for South Carolina to secede, and soon after other states would follow in its' path. -
Florida secedes from Union.
Florida disbands the union a month after South Carolina. The issue of slavery and how valuable it was to the southern economy led to Florida making this decision. -
Georgia secedes from Union.
Georgia was the fifth state to formally secede from the Union. Georgia's secession convention was nearly divided until argument led into pro-secession bias on Lincoln's issue with slavery. -
Texas secedes from Union.
Although the Governor of Texas, Sam Houston, was reluctant he brought up a convention for the topic of secession. Once Texas majorly agreed to secede, Sam Houston refused to take alliance with the confederacy and was swiftly replaced by his lieutenant governor. -
Confederate States Of America formed.
The Confederate States of America was originally formed by 7 seceded states, and allied to make a new country where they can practice slavery. The Confederacy would grow to a number of 11 states at its' largest. -
Fort Sumter Attacked by Southern Troops.
Fort Sumter was a standoff between Southern troops and Union troops taking position at the fort. Neither side wanted to open fire, and the North were still receiving their food supplies. So, Jefferson Davis became the aggressor and starter of the war, 4,000 rounds were fired but no one was killed. -
Virginia secedes from the Union.
The secession of Virginia was crucial to the South, since it was right across the water from the Union's capital, Washington D.C. Also, by the South joining the confederacy the army received their general, Robert E. Lee who was set on fighting for his state. -
Lincoln Issues Blockade of southern ports
Lincolns anaconda vice strategy was based on the idea of sufficing the Confederate army from any resources or goods. Lincoln sent the naval blockade of southern ports as a way to begin the vice around the south. -
Robert E. Lee resigns from commission in Northern army.
After Robert E. Lee took position of general for the Union army, he decided to resign. It was more important for him to fight on the side of his home state, Virginia, which agreed to secede and join the confederacy. -
North Carolina secedes from Union.
North Carolina was the final southern state to disband itself from the Union. This decision was made because North Carolina wanted to reserve the rights of states, and because the issue of slavery. -
First battle of Bull Run.
For the first formal battle, the Union was expecting to clean sweep the Confederate forces. Alas, the Union forces were disorganized and retreated after a day long battle. This was a huge morale booster for the Confederate army. -
Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky
The battle resulted in an early confederate defeat, and prevented the Confederate army from entering Kentucky. The battle went downhill for the Confederates as their general officer Zollicoffer was killed. -
General Grant begins Siege on Fort Henry and Donelson.
General Ulysses S. Grant gives the United States its first major victory of the war, by capturing Fort Henry, Tennessee. -
Jefferson Davis inaugurated as President of Confederate States of America
Jefferson Davis is officially inaugurated in Richmond, Virginia, to a 6-year term as president of the Confederate States of America. -
Merrimak/Virginia attack 3 wooden union war ships and sinks them
The first battle between two ironclad warships, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia, took place in the body of water known as the Hampton Roads. This battle was very important for the navies and development of battleship technology in America. -
Battle of Shiloh is first major battle in Tennessee.
The Battle of Shiloh was the bloodiest battle in American history to date until the battle of Antietam took place. The Union came out victorious after forcing confederate troops to retreat, ending their hopes to block Union troops from entering Mississippi. -
First Battle of Winchester, Virginia
The first battle of Winchester Virginia was a huge victory for Thomas Jackson of the confederate army. By concentrating his troops, he overpowered the Union troops within Winchester and won the battle. -
Battle of Memphis, Tennessee
The battle of Memphis was a naval battle fought on the Mississippi River. Many of the citizens of Memphis watched the battle and saw the crushing defeat of the Confederate army. -
2nd Battle of Bull Run
Confederate forces inflict a crushing defeat on Union General John Pope. -
The Battle of Antietam is fought
Union forces defeat Confederate troops at Sharpsburg, Maryland, in the bloodiest day in U.S. history. Over 22,000 soldiers were killed in the battle -
Burnside tries to capture confederate zone in Fredricksburg, Virginia
The Union Army suffers massive casualties and abandons attempts to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. -
Lincoln signs Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issues the second executive order of the Emancipation Proclamation, specifying ten Confederate states in which slaves were to be freed. -
Draft for soldiers in the north begins, 'Conscription'
The Enrollment Act was pushed through congress, calling for U.S. Citizens to be drafted into the Union army. This act would be the cause of the New York Riots. -
Battle of Gettysburg begins.
The battle of Gettysburg is considered the turning point of the Civil War. The invasion of Virginia from General Lee was prevented by northern troops stationed in Gettysburg and confronted Lee's army. By the second day, the Union came out victorious. -
Draft riots of New York City break out by laborers.
The week from July 13 to the 16th became known infamously as the Draft Week. Riots against the Enrollment Act would break out and cause about 120 deaths, and over 2,000 injuries. -
Battle of Brandy Station, Virginia.
The Battle of Brandy Station was a primarily a Calvary engagement between the North and South that ended inconclusively. It was also the largest cavalry engagement taken place on American soil. -
Vicksburg, Mississippi surrenders to the Union Army under Grant
This was one of the longest city sieges during the Civil War, lasting 47 days in total. It ended with Union troops taking control of the confederate territory. -
Confederate raid and sacking of Lawrence, Kansas.
William Quantrill, a guerrilla general from the south, ransacks the Union army in Lawrence Kansas for needed supplies. Over 200 men and boys were killed and became notorious for the north. -
Dedication of fallen soldiers in Gettysburg is created
The dedication was a massive burial site for all the soldiers that died in the battle. All in all, it is supposed to honor all the fallen soldiers from wars, and can even still be visited today. -
Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was one of the most popular speeches in American history. Although it was short and sweet, the speech commended the soldiers who were fighting in the war and gave hope for an end resulting in the Union being united once again with the seceded southern states. -
Battle of Chickamauga III, Georgia begins
Ulysses S. Grant and Union troops go to Chickamauga to support stationed Union troops already battling there. Grant and his troops launched a counter attack upon their arrival against the confederate troops. -
Lincoln appoints General Grant commander of the union army
Lincoln awards Ulysses S. Grant with the position of commander over the entire Union army. Grant's tactics were valued as a huge contributer to the present time successes of the Union army. -
Battle of Fort Pillow, Tennessee
The battle of Fort Pillow ended with the Union army surrendering, but more importantly led to the Fort Pillow Massacre. Confederate troops slaughtered former African American slaves that were fighting for the Union as they surrendered, and is considered on of the bleakest moments in American military history. -
Battle of The Wilderness, Virginia.
This battle was the first battle Grant was commander of the Union army against Lee's confederate soldiers. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but the battle is considered a draw. -
Battle of New Market takes place in Shenandoah County, Virginia
This was a crushing defeat for the Union army. A rag tag team of 4000 Confederate soldiers forced Union troops out of the Shenandoah Valley. -
Grant costs Union army 7,000 lives at Cold Harbor in Virginia
During the battles of Cold Harbor Virginia, Grant sent out a frontal attack against the Confederate army. This attack would result in hundreds of men being killed by general Lee and his army, who were given an extremely advantageous position. -
Union forces fail to capture Petersburg and cut off confederate rail lines
Union forces were determined to capture Petersburg against the Confederate troops. It was crucial to the Confederate army's supply, which would result in Lee heavily guarding it and causing multiple failed attempts to capture the city. -
Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama.
This was a naval battle inspired by the Union forces to secure one of the final southern ports. David Farragat navigates a Union ship to the port and takes control. -
Atlanta is Captured by Union forces.
Union forces under General Sherman enter Atlanta a day after the Confederate defenders fled the city. This allows a swift and easy take over of Atlanta Georgia deep in the south. -
Lincoln is reelected for 2nd term
Lincoln's first term served as a great basis to the American people for Lincoln. He wins his second term barely as the successful Battle of Gettysburg boosts his votes. -
Battle of Nashville, Tennessee
The victory the Union earned in this battle was a big morale boost for the Union troops. Under Major General George H. Thomas, the Union troops worked as an organized force and took out the Confederate troops. -
13th Amendment Passed by Congress
The 13th Amendment banned slavery in the United States of America. This was one of the first steps towards the Civil Rights movement, increasing equality between the slaves and citizens of the United States. -
Lincoln delivers 2nd inaugural address
Lincolns 2nd inaugural address highlights an end to the Civil war as one of his primary goals. He also discusses the idea of world peace for all, and living a life in the pursuit of happiness. -
General Lee loses confederate control in Petersburg and Richmond
After many attempted sieges from Grant, Lee finally gives up on his cities. The capturing of the two cities cut off many supplies from the Confederate troops. -
Lincoln is shot at Ford's Theatre
John Wilkes Booth would deliver the bullet to Abraham Lincoln, wounding him. He was taken to a boarding house across the street and he began being treated by a doctor who was at the theater. -
Fort Sumter is reoccupied by Union Troops
After 4 years of battle, Fort Sumter is captured again by Union troops. This signaled a falling southern army to the Union as they easily recaptured their fort. -
Lincoln dies morning after being shot
Although being attended to by doctors, Lincoln died from his gunshot wounds. Although his death was a tragedy, samples show Lincoln was bound to die several months later due to his self doses of Mercury. -
General Richard Taylor surrenders confederate troops in Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana
Lieutenant General Richard Taylor, commanding all Confederate forces in multiple states, surrenders his forces to Union General Edward Canby at Citronelle, Alabama, effectively ending all Confederate resistance east of the Mississippi. -
Jefferson Davis is captured near Irwinville, Georgia.
The capture of the leader of the Confederate States of America effectively secured the end of the war. It was also a symbol of the wars end to the American people. -
Final Battle of Civil War on Palmito Ranch, Texas. Confederates win the battle.
The last land action of the Civil War took place at Palmito Ranch near Brownsville. This battle was after the surrender of General Lee, and even stranger it was won by the confederacy, -
Civil War Officially ends under Simon Bolivar's surrender
Simon surrendered his army in New Orleans. This ceased all of any remaining confederate forces and officially put an end the the war. -
The last paper of 'The Abolitionist' was published.
The Abolitionist was a paper created for the northern states to remain updated on the events taking place during war. Once the war was over and the slaves were freed, they had nothing left to update upon. -
Fisk University opens in Nashville, Tennessee
Fisk University was the first African American university to ever be opened. It was soon followed by the first act of civil rights. -
Calaveras skull is found in California
human skull found by miners in Calaveras County, California, which was purported to prove that humans, mastodons, and elephants had coexisted in California. It was later revealed to be a hoax. -
U.S. Congress passes Civil Rights Act of 1866
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was created to redesign the term of citizen. Also, it gave all citizens under that title equal protection by the law and constitution. -
ASPCA is formed
The ASPCA is a company made for the safety and closure of domestic animals. The ASPCA has now been in existence for 152 years. -
U.S. Congress approves the minting of nickels.
The minting of the nickel became one of the most poultry used coins in money exchange, with a worth of 5 cents, its' minting would become even more popular as the population continued to increase. -
U.S. congress passes legislation for General of the Army (5 star general)
This rank is seen as the highest ranking an officer can earn in the U.S. Military. It was created specifically for Ulysses S. Grant to receive after the Union's success in the Civil war. -
National Union Convention begins
The national convention was the attempt to find a balance in between the southern loyalists and northerners supporting the reconstruction acts. It resulted in a unrecognized political party. -
Judicial Courts Circuits Act
The judicial court Circuits Act cut down the amount of judges could take part in the supreme of federal court system. It lowered both ends of the spectrum by 2 members. -
Tennessee is readmitted after the Civil War
Tennessee was readmitted into the Union in 1866. It was the first state to be brought back into the Union. -
African American men are granted the right to vote in the District of Columbia
This is the first time African Americans were allowed to vote in any political election. It faced much backlash from the southern states but was still passed. -
Nebraska is admitted as the 37th U.S. state
The territory of Nebraska lies in between the Great Plains and Midwestern United States. It was greatly settled in primarily because of the Homestead Act passed in the 1860s. -
1st Reconstruction Act passed by U.S. Congress
The Reconstruction acts was a plan to properly and smoothly readmit all the seceded states back into the union. The first reconstruction act divided the south into 5 military territories. -
U.S. Congress founds Department of Education.
The department of Education was made to help promote the public education of children after the Civil War. This would allow public schools to start receiving government funding. -
U.S. Congress passes 2nd Reconstruction Act
The second Reconstruction Act was created so the Military officers in charge of the districts could hold a constitutional convention. This was so the officers could ratify now outlawed or old laws. -
U.S. Congress approves building of Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln memorial was built in Washington D.C. It still remains today as a tribute to one of the United States best presidents. -
Black men vote in Municipal election in Tuscumbia, Alabama
This is the second election African American men were allowed to participate in. Although a local election, it was a huge step for furthering racial equality. -
The land of Alaska is purchased from Russia
Alaska is purchased from Alexander II of Russia for $7.2 million dollars. This was a steal for the United States and opened up an unexpected source of gold. -
U.S. Congress passes 3rd Reconstruction Act
Finally, the third reconstruction act gives military officers more power. It allows them to dismember politics and insert their own if they see the officials are a threat to what they believe in. -
First black men vote in state election in Tennessee
This was the first time an African American male voted in a state election. Similar to the federal elections with African Americans, it received much backlash from southerners.
