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Election of Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is the Republican Party's nomination and wins his first presidential election. This leads to southern states to start seceding from the Union. -
Southern States Begin to Secede
Southern states, starting with South Carolina, begin to secede from the Union. These states included Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. -
Lincoln Sworn into Office
Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as the 16th President of the United States. -
Attack of Fort Sumter
This attack made by Confederates in Charleston, South Carolina marks the beginning of the Civil War. -
Secession of Remaining Southern States
The remaining southern states, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, secede from the Union following the attack of Fort Sumter. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The first battle of the Civil War, which results in the Confederate victory, led by Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. The battle took place outside of Washington D.C. -
Battle of Shiloh
Confederate armies surprise Union armies and results in a Confederate victory. This is the first battle that Ulysses Grant first appears in. -
Second Battle of the Bull Run
At the Second Bull Run, Confederate armies catch sight of the Union balloon and trick the Union into thinking that they are greatly outnumbered. The battle results in McCllan's retreat. -
Battle of Antietam
The bttle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in United States history and resulted in Union victory, allowing Lincoln to pass the Emancipation Proclamation. -
Emancipation Proclamation
A proclamation proposed by Lincoln which declared all slaves of southern rebel states to be free. This proclamation increased northern morale, prevented England from supporting the South in the war, and it changed the purpose of the war from restoring the Union to the fight for abolishing slavery. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
Union army suffers another loss in this battle in Virginia, being defeated by Lee's forces. Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson is wounded and dies on May 10th, 1863. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The bloodiest battle of the Civil War and resulted in a Union victory under the leadership of George Meade. The battle resulted in 50,000 casualties and the destruction of the invincibility of southern armies. The battle lasted three days -
Battle of Gettysburg: Day 2
The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the best tactical battles of the Civil War. On day two of the battle, the South attempted to turn the left flank after a divisionary attack on the right. -
Battle of Gettysburg: Day 3
July 3rd was the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Lee's army gets brutally attacked while going through the feild. Union General Meade lets Lee escape, which drags on the war for two more years. -
New York City Draft Riots
July 13-16th rioters, particularly Irish laborers, attacked large businesses and attacked innocent blacks in response to the drafts being enforced. Many criticized Lincoln as being dictatorial and viewed that the draft was unconstitutional. -
Lincoln Gives Gettysburg Address
Lincoln gives one of his most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address, honoring the brave soldiers that had fallen during the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Lincoln started the speech with one of his most famous lines: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." -
Election of 1864
Abraham Lincoln is re-elected as president, defeating Democrat George McClellan. Lincoln wins with majority in the popular vote and in electoral votes. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
General Sherman led Union troops through Georgia, killing civilians and burning towns, which attacked southern morale. It was the final Union win of the Civil War. -
13th Amendment Approved
On January 31st, 1865, the US Congress approves the 13th Amendment, which abolishes slavery in the United States. -
End of the Civil War
General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant in Virgina. -
Assassination of Lincoln
While attending a play at Ford's Theater, John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in the back of the head. -
Johnson becomes President
Vice President Andrew Johnson becomes the 17th President of the United States the day Lincoln is officially pronounced dead. -
Andersonville Prison Shut Down
A prison build for 10,000 for during the Civil War, but held 30,000 prisoners, who suffered from severe lack of food and clothing. The commandant of the prison, Henry Wite, was hanged for poor treatment of his prisoners and the prison was shut down in 1865.