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Lincoln is Elected President
Lincoln was the candidate of the new Republican Party, and he strove to limit the spread of slavery. He had 40% of popular vote, and 180 electoral votes. -
Confederate States of America is Formed
South Carolina seceded from the Union after Lincoln was elected. 10 states seceded in it's wake, including Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They formed the Confederate States of America, with the goal to uphold slavery. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
Confederates attack US military garrison located in Fort Sumter, South Carolina. In under two days, the Fort surrendered. This event is viewed as the kick starter for the Civil War. -
Lincoln declares blockade on Southern Ports
President Lincoln and Seward announce the blockade on Southern ports, meant to prevent weapons and other materials from reaching the Confederates. This blockade eventually spread to North Carolina and Virginia. -
First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)
This marks the first major land battle of the Civil War. The Union lost with 3,000 casualties, the Confederates won with 1,750 casualties. -
Battle of Shiloh
Union troops made it through Confederate defenses, allowing General Grant to begin larger operation in Misisippi Valley later in that same year. Considerate success for Union army. -
Battle of Antietam
A one day battle where Union Soldiers tuck another win against the Confederates under their belt. This victory gave Lincoln the chance to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. -
Emancipation Proclamation
Declared by Lincoln three years into the Civil War, which stated, "all persons held as slaves-" within confederate states, "-are, and henceforward shall be free." This did not immediately free slaves. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Another Union victory, but this time this was a major Confederate loss. Confederates lost with 28,000 casualties, and the Union won with 23,000. It was a three day battle. -
Gettysburg Address
A speech written by Lincoln that commemorated the opening of a new national cemetery located in Gettysburg. -
Sherman's March to Sea
Union General Sherman led 60,000 soldiers on a march starting in Atlanta and going up to Savannah Georgia. It was meant to intimidate Georgia's population away from their Confederate ways. -
13th Amendment in the Constitution
Stated that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” This exception is important because it was weaponized to re-enslave Black people through mass incarceration, and still is. -
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Lincoln took an Oath of Office a second time, with the intent of "binding the nation's wounds". -
Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse
Confederate General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to Union General Grant. -
Lincoln Assassinated
Booth shot Lincoln in the head at the theatre. Lincoln died the next morning, 41 days after the Second Inaugural Address.