Civil War

The Cause Of The Civil War

Nov 6, 1860

<a href='http://www.shmoop.com/civil-war/summary.html' >Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. Lincoln wanted to abolish slavery which the South did not like it and they tryed to depart from the North. The North did not want the South to depart from them so they began to fight.

Confederate's Form A New Federal Government

Feb 4, 1861

The southern states agreed to form a new federal government called the Confederate State of America on Feb. 4, 1861. They took control of federal forts and other properties within their boundries.

The Beginning Of A National Tragedy

Apr 12, 1861

Hostilities began when the Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter. The Western Theater and the Eastern Theater's battle was inconclusive for one year and four months.

Lincoln Issued The Emancipation Proclamation

Jun 1, 1862

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which made ending slavery a war goal.

The Confederate's overrun Marye's Heights

May 4, 1863

Confederate dead overrun at Marye's Height, reoccupied next day May 4, 1863.

The Fall Of Vicksburg

Jul 1, 1863

After the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863, General Kirby Smith in Texas was informed by Jefferson Davis that he could expect no further help from east of the Mississippi River. Although he lacked resources to beat Union armies, he built up a formidable arsonal including railroad construction and international smuggling.

The Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863

In the speech known at the Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a reminder of the nation's origins, explaining the stakes at risk by the Civil War. He provided a callto action for the preservation of the nation and the ideals of liberty and equality. The Gettysburg Address was a speech given at the Nov. 19, 1863, dedication of the Soldier's National Cemetery in honor of the fallen Union soldiers.

Conquest Of Virginia

Jan 16, 1864

Abraham Lincoln made Ulysses S. Grant commander of all Union armies. Grant made his headquarters with the Army of the Potomac, and put Major General Sherman in command of most of the western armies. Grant understood the concept of total war and believed, along with Lincoln and Sherman that the defeat of Confederate forces and their economic base would end the war.

Confederacy Surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

At first Lee did not intend to surrender, but planned to regroup at the village of Appomattox Court House where supplies were to be waiting then continue the war. Grant and his army chased Lee and his army so when reached Appomattox Court House they were surrounded and forced to surrendered.

After The Nations Tragedy

Mar 30, 1867

After the tragic war there was millions of dollars of damage. 750,000 men who sacrificed their life died within that 4 year span. For most African Americans , emancipation and the end of the Civil War meant of renewal of hope.