-
Election of 1860
This election was a turning point for the U.S. as Abraham Lincoln was elected, which would later be the reason that slavery was abolished. Lincoln won even though he received less than 40% of the popular vote. He did however easily win the Electoral College votes over his competitor. Lincoln would go on to accomplish many things during his presidency that would better the United States. -
Confederate States Form
Eleven southern states seceded from the union. They did this because they wanted to protect their rights as states. They also wanted protection for their ability to have slavery and didn't want to have disagreements over tariffs. -
Jefferson Davis inaugurated as President of Confederate States of America
Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as President of the Confederate States of America after the South decided to secede from the Union. He served as the Confederate States President until the military collapse of the Confederacy. He was chosen as a candidate appease to both moderate and radical factions in the Congress. -
Fort Sumter
On April 12, 1861, the Confederacy fired on the U.S. garrison of Fort Sumter. This opened the Civil War. Less than two days later, the fort surrendered. Luckily for Fort Sumter, no one was killed. This is considered to be one of the bloodiest conflicts in U.S. history. -
First Battle of Bull Run
First "full-scale" battle of the Civil War. It was a fierce fight between the North and South. This showed both parties what the rest of the war would look and feel like. The confederate claimed victory in the battle. After this battle, the Union decided to replace their commander. -
Battle of Shiloh
This battle allowed the Union army to attack against the Confederacy. The Union claimed yet another victory. This battle took place in Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. This gave the Union the power they needed to gain control of the Mississippi River. The Union soldiers suffered about 13,000 casualties. -
Battle of Antietam
Considered to be the deadliest one-day battle in U.S. history. About 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or unfound after the battle took place. This ended the Confederate invasion of Maryland. This battle showed that the Union was able to defend themselves from the Confederate States. This battle is also seen as a "tactical draw" between the two parties. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issued this proclamation declaring that all slaves deserve to be free people. He made this decision after the Unions victory in the Battle of Antietam. By declaring this proclamation, slavery would be abolished in most northern states. Lincoln also hoped by making this decision it would inspire the people in confederate states to support the abolishment of slavery for the entirety of the U.S. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg ended the confederacies goal of invading the north and ending the Civil War. The battle lasted three days. The amount of causalities were estimated to be about 50,000. After this battle the south continued to not be an independent nation like they had previously hoped. -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Union won yet another battle against the Confederacy at the Battle of Vicksburg. In result, the battle had weakened the confederate states by splitting it in half and isolating several southern states. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was a speech delivered by President Lincoln after the Union army defeated the confederate army at the Battle of Gettysburg. The speech is still considered to be one of the best known speeches of all time. It also known to be known as one of America's most influential speeches. Lincoln spoke about the nation's liberty, dedication, and considered the Civil War to be a test to the nation's strength. -
Sherman's March to Sea
Sherman's March to Sea was the most destructive campaign in the Civil War. It was described as being "total war." Total war is the physical destruction of everything that would've been in the Union's path. This includes stealing food, burning houses, etc. This devasted, divided, and wrecked the South in many ways. -
The 13th Amendment
The 13th Amendment ended and abolished slavery for the entirety of the United States. However, the only slavery that was still accepted after the Amendment was signed. Imprisonment was still allowed for criminals to pay for their crimes by working without pay. -
Appomattox Court House
This location marks the beginning of the United States' path to peace and reunification after the Civil War. This is where Robert E. Lee surrendered himself and his troops to the Union. He surrendered himself because he no longer wanted his troops to suffer. He praised them for their dedication and wilfulness but took full responsibility for surrendering. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. He was murdered by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theater, Washington D.C. The motive behind the assassination was revenge for the Confederate states. After the assassination, the presidency was passed down to his vice president, Andrew Johnson. He was the second U.S. president to be assassinated.