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Battle at Fort Sumter
The Battle at Fort Sumter is known as the location where the first shots of the civil war were fired. It is on Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. In this battle Major Robert Anderson surrendered to confederate forces. The confederate army occupied and better equipped the fort, using it as a foothold in the Union's Atlantic blockade. -
Period: to
Civil War
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First Battle of Bull Run
The Battle of Bull Run is significant because it was the first major land battle. Resulting in thousands of lives lost. The union had about 15000 more troops than their adversaries. But even though they were well prepared for their attack, they still lost the battle. -
Battle at Fort Donelson
This battle is significant because the Union captured this fort from the Confederacy. When they did this they then gained control of the Cumberland river and used it as an export avenue. It also ensured Tennessee and Kentucky in the union.They also used it to invade the south. -
Battle of Hampton Roads
The Battle of Hampton Roads, also known as the Battle of Monitor & Merrimack, was the first significant naval battle. This led the way to more naval warfare advancements.It was the first ironclad warship battle. It was the Confederates' effort in trying to penetrate the Unions blockade. -
Capture of New Orleans
New Orleans was captured by the union army. It was a severe blow to the confederacy. The confederate army thought the Union was going to attack Mississippi so they concentrated most of their forces there. Instead the Union attacked New Orleans, sinking 8 ships they took the city over. -
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was important because it was the first major battle on Yankee soil. This was the battle that Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. His cabinet and advisors had told him to wait till a Union victory so that they did not seem desperate. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was written by Lincoln to free all slaves. The south obviously didn’t like or abide by this, so Lincoln had to issue it a 2nd time, adding it to the 13th amendment. A year later all slaves were freed. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg is known as the most important engagement in the war. It had the most casualties and was the “turning point” in the war. After losing to General Robert E Lee at Chancellorsville, the union was able to win this battle. -
Lincoln Wins Reelection
Lincoln being reelected meant that the Unions efforts would not be interrupted. They were able to keep the same leader that they trusted and respected instead of a new command coming in that may not agree with them. His reelection helped the union further its agendas. -
Lee Surrenders
Lee’s surrender to Grant meant that the war was over. Grant’s army had surrounded Lee’s. The union had the upper hand, their adversaries were weak and exhausted. Lee surrendered because he knew that if he kept fighting all his men would have died for nothing.
