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Battle of Fort Sumter
The Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the American Civil War. The Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter. After two days the fort surrendered leading to outbreak of the Civil War. -
Battle of Philippi
The Battle of Philippi was one of the earliest engagements of the Civil War. It marked the first organized land action of the conflict. The Union surprised the Confederate and won, gaining control in Western Virginia. -
Battle of Big Bethel
The Battle of Big Bethel was fought near For Monroe in Virginia. This was a Union attempt to attack Confederate positions in this area, but simply backfired. The battle was a victory for the Confederates. -
First Battle of Bull Run
The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major conflict of the Civil War. This was a Confederate victory and was a big indicator that one battle is not enough. The Union fought to restore federal authority but the Confederates had to maintain their independence. -
Battle of Fort Henry
The Battle of Fort Henry was fought in western Tennessee. The Union attacked and captured Fort Henry, a Confederate stronghold. This was a victory for the Union and ultimately gave them a big advantage and weakened Confederate control in the region. -
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh was a 2 day battle, April 6-7th, and is one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. The Union forces clashed with Confederate troops and was a victory for the Union. This caused the Confederates to retreat. -
Second Battle of Bull Run
The Second Battle of Bull Run was fought in Northern Virginia. This battle was a victory for the Confederate and later led to them invading Maryland. This loss for the Union kept them away from Southern Virginia. -
Battle of Ox Hill
The Battle of Ox Hill was a short but intense battle fought in a heavy rainstorm. Union forces clashed with Confederate troops. The Confederates successfully resisted Union advancement. -
Battle of Sharpsburg
The Battle of Sharpsburg took place in Maryland and was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The battle ended inconclusively but it provided a strategic opportunity for Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. -
Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. This declared that all enslaved people in Confederate territory were to be set free. This still did not free ALL enslaved individuals because Lincoln's authority was limited in Confederate controlled land. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg was fought from May 18 to July 4, 1863. The Union encircled the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg. Where on July 4th the Confederate surrendered causing them to split into two and giving the Union a huge advantage in the western part of the war. -
Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought throughout July 1st to the 3rd in Pennsylvania. The Confederate invaded Gettysburg to capture supplies in the span of 2 days but on the 3rd day the Union successfully recaptured the land. This was a Union victory and was a huge turning point in the Civil War. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was given by President Lincoln, honoring the soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Gettysburg. He also addressed the importance of preserving the Union and confirmed the nation's commitment to equality and democracy. -
Sherman's March
Sherman's March was from November 15 to December 21, 1864. This was a destructive march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. It was an aim to damage Confederate war efforts by destroying industries along the way. -
Appomattox
Appomattox, associated with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. The surrender took place at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia. The event marked the last conclusion of the Civil War and sparked the process of Reconstruction for the United States.