Civil War Timeline

Civil War

Period: Jan 1, 1858 to Dec 31, 1870

Abraham Lincoln Elected President

Nov 6, 1860

This was significant because Abraham Lincoln opposed slavery, so it was part of the reason the Civil War started. The Confederates realized that they would no longer have slavery, so they seceded.

Battle of Fort Sumter

Apr 12, 1861

This battle lasted from April 12-14, 1861 and it was significant because it started the Civil War.

Lincoln Orders Blockade of the South

Apr 16, 1861

This event lasted during the whole war (1861-1865). This was significant because the South was not able to import war materials and export cotton to make money.

1st Battle of Bull Run

Jul 21, 1861

This battle was significant because it was the first major land battle fought in Virginia. It showed the Union that the Confederates were a tough opponent.

Monitor vs. Virginia Naval Battle

Mar 9, 1862

This battle was significant because it showed the strength of each navy, and the USS Minnesota was not lost.

Battle of Shiloh

Apr 6, 1862

This was significant because people started to realize that the Civil War was going to last for a long time and not end quickly.

7 Days Campaign

Jun 26, 1862

The 7 Days Campaign (June 26 to July 1) was significant because the Confederacy prolonged the war. The Union army was set to capture Richmond, but the Confederates forced them to retreat.

2nd Battle of Bull Run

Aug 28, 1862

This battle was significant because it was the deciding battle to control northern Virginia. The Confederates ended up winning, but each side suffered huge losses.

Battle of Antietam

Sep 17, 1862

This battle was significant because it was the first major battle held in Union territory.

Emancipation Proclamation Issued

Sep 22, 1862

This was significant because it forced the Confederate states to either give up their slaves or join the Union.

Emancipation Proclamation Takes Effect

Jan 1, 1863

This event was significant because the slaves of the United States were free. A lot of them joined the Union Army, which significantly helped their numbers.

Battle at Chancellorsville

Apr 30, 1863

This battle lasted from April 6 - May 1, 1863. This battle was significant for the Confederates because it was considered to be one of the best of Robert E. Lee's career. It was good for the Union because Stonewall Jackson was killed, who was one of the best strategic minds for the Confederacy.

Battle of Gettysburg

Jul 1, 1863

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted from July 1-3, 1863. The Union won, and it was significant because this battle is referred to as the turning point of the war. Also, this battle had the highest number of casualties than any other battle in the Civil War.

Siege of Vicksburg

Jul 4, 1863

This siege lasted from May 18 - July 4, 1863. It was significant because the Union basically split the Confederates in half.

Gettysburg Address

Nov 19, 1863

This was significant because it is regarded as one of the best speeches in American history. It was a dedication to people who died in the Battle of Gettysburg, which was four months ago. The speech really inspired people to win the war.

Battle at Chattanooga

Nov 23, 1863

There were three battles fought in Chattanooga, TN, but this was the most famous. It was significant because the Union's victory gave them the chance to move further south and capture Atlanta.

Ulysses S. Grant Takes Over Union Army

Mar 10, 1864

This was significant because Ulysses S. Grant led the Union Army during many important battles that in turn got the Union army closer to total victory of the Civil War.

Sherman Captures Atlanta

Sep 2, 1864

This battle was significant because the Union had captured the South's major manufacturing and railroad hub.

President Lincoln Re-Election

Nov 8, 1864

This was significant because Abraham Lincoln did many things to help the Union Army succeed in the Civil War. He passed the Emancipation Proclamation, made Ulysses S. Grant the General, and captured Richmond. Lastly, any hope of negotiating with the South vanished, leaving only military conquering.

Sherman Begins March to the Sea

Nov 15, 1864

This event was significant because it was the campaign that led to the South's surrender.

Savannah, GA Falls to the Union

Dec 22, 1864

This event was significant because the blockade set up by the Union stopped the Confederates from moving supplies and men.

Union Army Occupies Richmond, VA

Apr 3, 1865

This was significant because it was the action that ended the Civil War. The Confederate leaders could not do anything with their headquarters taken over, so the Confederates couldn't operate.

Robert E. Lee Surrenders

Apr 9, 1865

This was significant because it ended the Civil War. The South had been beaten, and they were to join the Union and form the USA again.

Abraham Lincoln Assassinated

Apr 15, 1865

This was significant because the man who had been a symbol of confidence and success throughout the Civil War had been shot and killed. It didn't throw the country into disarray and allow the Confederates to retake the Union, but it was important nonetheless.

13th Amendment Passed

Dec 6, 1865

This event was significant because it made slavery illegal.