-
Election of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln won the election of 1860. His presidency is one of the most important. He served as President during the Civil War and wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. Although not an abolitionist, his opposition to slavery led to the end of slavery. He won the reelection in 1864, but was later assassinated. Lincoln's election was important because it led to the freeing of many slaves, which turned into all of slavery. -
South Carolina's Secession
South Carolina was the first state to secede and they carved the path for many other southern states to do the same. The secession of states led to the formation of the Confederacy. South Carolina seceding was a direct factor to the Civil War. The United States was officially divided when formal declarations were made that separated the states. This was important because it led to the Civil War and showed the divide in America and showed how serious the issue of slavery was. -
Jefferson Davis appointed Confederate President
After the states in the south seceded from the Union, Jefferson Davis was appointed as the Confederate President. He ran unopposed and served a 6 year term. Although he had the title of President, he is not listed as a United States President because he did not serve as the Union President so he is not considered a legitimate President under the United States. He was important because he served as President of the Confederacy throughout the Civil War. -
First Battle of Fort Sumter
Location: Charleston, South Carolina Harbor.
This battle was led by General Beauregard on the Confederacy side and Robert Anderson on the Union side. The Confederates were first to attack. Lincoln wanted to resupply. The Confederates won. This was the first battle of the Civil War. -
Robert E. Lee
On May 14, 1861 Robert E. Lee became the General of the Confederate army. Robert E. Lee was a strong Confederate leader that led troops to win many battles against the Union. He was asked to be a Union military officer at the beginning of the war, but he turned the opportunity down and joined the Confederate side. He ended up surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant after a long war. He was important because he led the Confederate troops to many victories and is considered one of the greatest generals. -
Stonewall Jackson
On July 21, 1861 Thomas J. Jackson led a group of Confederate reinforcements at the Battle of Bull Run. This battle made him famous because he refused to move and led the Confederate troops to victory. He got his name "Stonewall Jackson" for standing strong and acting as a wall. Stonewall Jackson is important because he led the Confederate troops to victory at Bull Run and he is still considered one of the most effective commanders. -
First Battle of Bull Run
Location: Virginia
This battle was led by General McDowell on the Union side and Stonewall Jackson on the Confederate side. People thought this battle would be easy and fun to watch so they went on picnics to watch the war. The Confederates won. This battle was important because Jackson got his name as "Stonewall" Jackson because he refused to retreat. -
Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack
Location: Virginia
This was a battle between two Ironclads. The battle ended in a stalemate and was important because it was the first time that Ironclads were used during war. It was also considered one of the most important naval battles of the war. -
Battle of Shiloh
Location: Tennessee
This battle was led by General Ulysses S. Grant on the Union side and General Beauregard on the Confederate side. This was the bloodiest battle up to this point. The Union side won the battle. This was important because it was the battle that made Grant famous and it was when Grant first introduced the technique of total war. -
Capture of New Orleans
The Capture of New Orleans was led by David Farragut. He led troops to cut off the Confederacy's port and gain control of the Mississippi River. Farragut's original plan to attack the forts failed so at 2AM, he led troops upriver. All, but 4 ships survived the trip. With his daring decision, the South's largest city and center of cotton trade was in Union hands. This capture was important because the Union was able to capture a Confederacy's stronghold. -
Battle of Antietam
Location: Maryland
This battle was led by General McClellan on the Union side and Robert E. Lee on the Confederate side. This was the single most bloody battle of the Civil War. This ended in a Union victory. This was important because it allowed Lincoln to pass the Emancipation Proclamation. It also was enough to convince the British not to help the Confederacy. -
Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln was originally hesitant to issue this document because he feared losing a lot of support and he feared it wouldn't have the intended effect. After a Union victory at Antietam, he issued the proclamation. It stated that all slaves in states in rebellion were free. It only affected states in rebellion. It didn't address slaves in border states. This document was important because it led the way to abolition of slaves. -
Lincoln Suspends Habeas Corpus
Habeas Corpus is a right given to people that allows them not to be imprisoned unless charged with a crime and given a trial. On March 3, President Lincoln suspended this right for anyone who openly supported the rebels. This suspension was important because it allowed a person to be imprisoned indefinitely without a trial or reason. -
54th Massachusetts Regiment
The 54th Massachusetts Regiment was a group of African American soldiers that fought during the Battle at Fort Wagner. They were a group of Union troops that failed to beat the Confederates at this battle, but managed to destroy the Confederate strongholds. They were important for many reasons. They were the first group of African American soldiers and Carney was the first to receive a medal of honor. They also showed they would fight even if they weren't legal citizens. -
Battle of Chancellorsville
Location: Chancellorsville, Virginia
This battle was led by Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson on the Confederate side and Joseph Hooker on the Union side. Hooker's army attempted a flanking movement during this battle, but it failed. There were over 24,000 casualties. The Confederate troops won the battle, but there was great loss. This battle was important because Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded here and it was a major Confederate victory. It was one of the bloodiest battles. -
Siege of Vicksburg
John C. Pemberton led the Confederate troops and Ulysses S. Grant led the Union troops. Union troops marched 180 miles in 17 days and they fought 5 battles. Over 7,200 casualties were experienced by Confederate troops. Grant launched two assaults, but the city quickly attacked back and the Union troops had lots of casualties. This was important because Grant cut off access to supplies for the Confederates and this siege cut the Confederacy in two. -
Battle of Gettysburg-Gettysburg, PA
Battle of Gettysburg was led by Robert E. Lee, George E. Pickett, and General A.P Hill on the Confederate side and George Meade on the Union side. Confederate troops marched toward Union Cemetery Ridge. In half an hour, there were 7,000 casualties. Over 50,000 casualties occurred by the end. This battle was important because it proved to be a turning point in the war and this victory for the Union ensured that Britain would not side with the Confederacy at any point during the war. -
Pickett's Charge
Pickett's Charge occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg. Robert E. Lee called for an attack against Union troops. It was an assault with 15,000 men on the Confederate side. As the Confederate troops raced to push the Union troops off the hill, they began to fade. This battle was on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg and did not have the positive effects that Lee was hoping for. This battle was important because it helped the Union troops to win the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point. -
Gettysburg Address
The Gettysburg Address was given by Abraham Lincoln at the memorial service for the soldiers who lost their life at the battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln's short speech is considered to be one of the most important speeches ever given. Lincoln spoke of the significance of the war and talked about equality. The Gettysburg Address is important because it was a very impactful speech given by Lincoln and it empowered many people. It also recognized the extreme loss at Gettysburg. -
Andersonville Prison Camp Opens
The Andersonville Prison Camp is located in Andersonville, Georgia. During the Civil War, it was one of the largest Confederate military prisons. It was only around for 14 months, but it held over 45,000 Union soldiers. 13,000 of these soldiers died in the camp. It was built in early 1864 so that Union soldiers would be moved away from the main locations of the war. This prison was important because it was the largest Confederate prison that deeply hurt the Union army because of the loss of men. -
Sherman's March to Sea
Location: Atlanta to Savannah
Sherman ordered troops to go through Atlanta. They destroyed everything in their path. They tore up railroads, bent them, and tied them around trees. The march went on for almost 300 miles and the Union didn't leave any piece of the path untouched. Over 12 towns were set on fire. The march went from Atlanta to Savannah and it caused damage to lots of Confederate soil. This march was important because it demoralized Southerners and introduced the Sherman Necktie. -
Battle of Bentonville
Location: Bentonville, NC
The battle was led by General William T. Sherman on the Union side and Joseph Johnston on the Confederate side. Sherman's army marched towards Goldsborough and encountered Confederate troops. Johnston surrendered to Sherman at Bennett Place. This battle was important because it was a Union victory and represented that end of the war was coming soon. -
Confederate Surrenders
Location: Appomattox Courthouse
Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Courthouse after he realized his forces were weakening in Petersburg. In the Battle of Five Forks, Lee's troops withdrew and Lee decided to surrender. This surrender is important because Grant's generous terms allowed the Union to begin the restoration process and the surrender marked the end of the war by Americans, against Americans. -
Abraham Lincoln Assassinated
Location: Ford's Theater
During a speech made by Lincoln about African Americans being included in Southern state governments, John Wilkes Booth told his friend that it would be the last speech Lincoln would ever make. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln and his wife went to Ford's Theater and Booth shot him in the back of the head. Lincoln's body was transported back to Springfield, Illinois. This is important because Lincoln was the first American president to be assassinated. -
Clara Barton Founds the Red Cross
On May 21, 1881 Clara Barton founded the Red Cross. She is an amazing woman who provided aid to soldiers during the Civil War. She was a teacher during a time when the field was dominated by men. She was one of the first women in the federal government. She founded the Red Cross to help people who are injured or ill. She is important because she is one of the most honored woman in history and she started the field of volunteer service.
