Civil Virtual Timeline

  • Republican Party is formed

    Republican Party is formed
    The Republican Party was officially formed in 1854, as a response to the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act. It emerged as a coalition of various anti-slavery groups and individuals who opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories. The party quickly gained momentum and became a major political force, eventually leading to the election of Abraham Lincoln as the first Republican president in 1860.
  • Kansas-Nebraska Act passed

    Kansas-Nebraska Act passed
    It was passed on May 30, 1854,it allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether they would allow slavery or not. This act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in certain territories. The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act led to a lot of tension and conflict, as pro-slavery and anti-slavery groups clashed in Kansas. Was what divided between the North and the South in the lead-up to the Civil War.
  • Abraham Lincoln elected president

    Abraham Lincoln elected president
    He was elected in 1860 and became the 16th President of the United States. His presidency was a pivotal time in history, especially during the Civil War. Lincoln's leadership and the Emancipation Proclamation made a lasting impact on the country.
  • South Carolina votes to secede from the United States

    South Carolina votes to secede from the United States
    South Carolina voted to secede from the United States, which means they made the decision to leave the country. This happened during a time of great tension and conflict leading up to the American Civil War. South Carolina's secession was a significant event that set the stage for other southern states to follow suit and ultimately led to the formation of the Confederate States of America.
  • Jefferson Davis elected president of the Confederacy

    Jefferson Davis elected president of the Confederacy
    Jefferson Davis was elected as the president of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. He served as the leader of the southern states that seceded from the Union. His presidency was marked by the challenges and conflicts of the war, as the Confederacy fought against the Union in an effort to maintain their independence. Ultimately, the Confederacy was defeated, and Davis's presidency came to an end.
  • Confederate forces fire on Fort Sumter

    Confederate forces fire on Fort Sumter
    When Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter. It happened on April 12, 1861, and marked the beginning of the American Civil War. The Confederate troops bombarded the fort, which was held by Union forces. It was a significant event that escalated tensions between the North and the South and ultimately led to a long and devastating conflict.
  • Richmond becomes the capital of the Confederacy

     Richmond becomes the capital of the Confederacy
    It happened in Richmond, Virginia, and was chosen as the capital because of its strategic location and its symbolic importance as the former capital of the Confederacy during the American Revolution. The Confederate government established its headquarters there, and Richmond became a center of political, military, and economic activity for the Confederacy. The city played a role throughout the war, but its fall in April 1865 marked a turning point collapse of the Confederacy.
  • First Battle of Bull Run is fought

    First Battle of Bull Run is fought
    The First Battle of Bull Run was a major battle during the American Civil War. It happened on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia. The Union army fought against the Confederate army, and the Confederates won. This battle showed that the war would be tough and that both sides needed better training.
  • Congress passes the 13th Amendment

     Congress passes the 13th Amendment
    Congress passed the 13th Amendment, it was a huge deal! It happened on January 31, 1865. The 13th Amendment was a game-changer because it abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. Can you believe it? It marked a major turning point in American history and was a crucial step towards equality and freedom for all. The passage of the 13th Amendment was a monumental achievement that we still celebrate today.
  • The Merrimack and the Monitor fight of the Virginia coast

    The Merrimack and the Monitor fight of the Virginia coast
    The Merrimack and the Monitor had a historic battle off the coast of Virginia during the American Civil War. It was a clash between two ironclad warships that revolutionized naval warfare. The battle ended in a draw, but it showed the power and potential of ironclad ships. It was a significant moment in naval history.
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    Battle of shiloh

    It took place in Tennessee. The Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, were attacked by Confederate troops under General Albert Sidney Johnston. It was a fierce and bloody battle, with heavy casualties on both sides. Eventually, Grant's forces were able to hold their ground and repel the Confederate attacks. The Battle of Shiloh was a turning point in the war, demonstrating the determination and resilience of both Union and Confederate soldiers.
  • Robert E. Lee is named commander of the Army of Northern Virginia

     Robert E. Lee is named commander of the Army of Northern Virginia
    Robert E. Lee was named the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War. It was a crucial appointment and Lee played a significant role in leading Confederate forces in many important battles. His military strategies and leadership skills made him a respected figure, and he remains a prominent figure in American history.
  • Battle of Antietam

    Battle of Antietam
    The Battle of Antietam was a crucial battle during the American Civil War. It took place on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Both the Union Army, commanded by General McClellan, and the Confederate Army, led by General Lee, suffered heavy casualties. The battle ended in a tactical draw, but it was considered a strategic victory for the Union as it halted Lee's advance into Northern territory.
  • Battle of Fredericksburg

    Battle of Fredericksburg
    The Battle of Fredericksburg in the American Civil War was a major conflict. It happened in Fredericksburg, Virginia from December 11 to 15, 1862. The Union Army, led by General Burnside, tried to capture Richmond but faced strong resistance from General Lee's Confederate Army. The Confederates emerged victorious, dealing a significant blow to the Union forces.
  • Emancipation Proclamation is announced

    Emancipation Proclamation is announced
    It was a historic moment during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. The proclamation declared that all enslaved people in Confederate territory were to be set free. It was a significant step towards ending slavery and promoting equality in the United States.
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    Battle of Chancellorsville

    It took place in Virginia. General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate forces, and despite being outnumbered, he devised a daring strategy that resulted in a victory. However, it was a costly victory as General Stonewall Jackson, one of Lee's most trusted commanders, was accidentally shot by his own men and later died from his injuries. The Battle of Chancellorsville showcased Lee's tactical brilliance but also highlighted the devastating toll of war.
  • Battle of Gettysburg

    Battle of Gettysburg
    The Battle of Gettysburg was a major turning point in the American Civil War. It took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle was fought between the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, and the Union Army, led by General George G. Meade. It was one of the deadliest battles of the war.The Union emerged victorious, and the battle marked a significant setback for the Confederacy. It is often seen as a turning point in the war.
  • Confederates surrender at Vicksburg

    Confederates surrender at Vicksburg
    The Confederates surrendered at Vicksburg! It was a crucial turning point in the American Civil War. After a long siege, General Grant's Union forces were able to capture the city on July 4, 1863. The surrender of Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two. It was a major victory for the Union and a significant blow to the Confederate cause.
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    New York draft riots

    The draft riots sparked new federal draft law, which required men to serve in the Union Army. Many New Yorkers, particularly working-class Irish immigrants, opposed the draft and felt it unfairly targeted them. The riots turned violent, African Americans, and wealthy individuals. The unrest lasted for several days and resulted in numerous casualties and extensive property damage. The New York City draft riots were a view of the social and economic tensions of the time.
  • Lincoln suspends habeas corpus

    Lincoln suspends habeas corpus
    It happened during the Civil War in 1861. Habeas corpus is a legal protection that ensures a person's right to challenge their detention in court. Lincoln suspended this right in certain areas to deal with the threat of rebellion and maintain order. It allowed the government to detain individuals without trial, which sparked a lot of debate and criticism. Some saw it as necessary for preserving the Union, while others viewed it as an infringement on civil liberties.
  • Lincoln gives his Gettysburg Address

    Lincoln gives his Gettysburg Address
    It was such an amazing speech he gave during the Civil War. He spoke at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. Lincoln talked about the importance of keeping the Union together and honoring the brave soldiers who fought in the war. It's one of those speeches that will be remembered forever in American history.
  • Atlanta is captured

     Atlanta is captured
    Union General William T. Sherman led his forces in a successful campaign to capture the city. Atlanta was a crucial transportation hub and industrial center for the Confederacy, so its capture was a significant blow. It helped boost morale for the Union and contributed to the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln. The fall of Atlanta marked a major shift in the war and set the stage for Sherman's famous "March to the Sea" campaign.
  • Abraham Lincoln defeats George McClellan to win re-election

    Abraham Lincoln defeats George McClellan to win re-election
    He defeated George McClellan to secure his second term as President of the United States. This victory was significant during the Civil War, as Lincoln's leadership and policies played a crucial role in shaping the nation's future.
  • Sherman begins his March to the Sea

     Sherman begins his March to the Sea
    Union General William T. Sherman led his forces from Atlanta, Georgia, all the way to Savannah, Georgia, with the goal of capturing key Confederate cities and disrupting their supply lines. The march covered around 300 miles and resulted in significant damage to Confederate infrastructure and resources. Sherman's troops practiced a scorched-earth policy, destroying anything that could be of use to the Confederacy.
  • Freedmen’s Bureau is created

    Freedmen’s Bureau is created
    The Freedmen's Bureau, officially known as the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, was created to assist newly freed African Americans and white refugees in the South after the Civil War. The bureau provided various forms of support, including education, healthcare, and employment assistance. It played a crucial role in helping formerly enslaved individuals transition to freedom and rebuild their lives.
  • Lincoln gives his second inaugural address

    Lincoln gives his second inaugural address
    Lincoln's second inaugural address was a really important moment. He gave the speech on March 4, 1865, at a crucial time in our history. In his address, Lincoln talked about the need for unity and healing as the Civil War was coming to an end. It was a powerful speech that still resonates today.
  • Richmond falls to the Union Army

    Richmond falls to the Union Army
    Richmond fell to the Union Army, it was a major turning point in the Civil War! It happened on April 3, 1865. The fall of Richmond marked the end of the Confederacy's capital and dealt a significant blow to their war effort. It was a moment of triumph for the Union forces and a step closer to the ultimate victory. The capture of Richmond was a pivotal moment in American history, leading to the eventual surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the end of the Civil War.
  • Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox

    Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox
    Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox was a really important event in the Civil War. It happened on April 9, 1865, when General Lee surrendered to General Grant. This marked a turning point in the war and eventually led to the reunification of the country.
  • President Lincoln assassinated

    President Lincoln assassinated
    President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer on April 14. 1965, at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C. Lincoln passed away the next day.The assassination occurred just says after the end of the American Civil War.
  • John Wilkes Booth is killed

    John Wilkes Booth is killed
    John Wilkes Booth was the actor who infamously assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. On April 14, 1865, Booth shot Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. in a shocking act of violence. After the assassination, a massive manhunt was launched to capture Booth. He was eventually found hiding in a barn in Virginia and was shot by Union soldiers. Booth's actions left a lasting impact on American history and forever changed the course of the nation