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January ~ End Slavery
Senator John Henderson proposed that they should end slavery in the U.S. within the senate. -
May ~ Grants Wilderness Campaign
General Grant, promoted to commander of the Union armies, planned to engage Lee's forces in Virginia until they were destroyed. North and South met and fought in an inconclusive three-day battle in the Wilderness. -
May ~ The Battle of Spotsylvania
General Grant continued to attack Lee. At Spotsylvania Court House, he fought for five days, vowing to fight all summer if necessary. (See Grant's Wilderness Campaign) -
June ~ The Battle of Cold Harbor
Grant again attacked Confederate forces at Cold Harbor, losing over 7,000 men in twenty minutes. Although Lee suffered fewer casualties, his army never recovered from Grant's continual attacks. -
August ~ General William. T Sherman's Atlanta Campaign
Union General Sherman departed Chattanooga, and was soon met by Confederate General Joseph Johnston. Skillful strategy enabled Johnston to hold off Sherman's force -- almost twice the size of Johnston's. However, Johnston's tactics caused his superiors to replace him with General John Bell Hood, who was soon defeated. -
November ~ Lincoln is Re-elected
The Republican party re-elected to continue his fight in the war. Lincoln won by over 400,000 popular votes. Soldiers in the Army gave Lincoln more than 70% of their vote. -
November ~ General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea
General Sherman is cutting through paths cutting off supplies and sources for his troops (Soldiers) to live off the land. During the long and exhausting journey the men destroyed buildings, factories, railroads, and public building. They traveled 300 miles in length and 60 miles wide rushing throughout Georgia. -
December ~ Hood Before Nashville
General John B. Hood brought his army to Nashville, where they were repulsed by General George H. Thomas.
