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Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the representative of the antislavery Republican Party is elected President. As a result of this, 11 Southern states secede from the union. -
Confederacy Formed
Representatives of the seceded states meet in Montgomery Alabama. The Confederate States of America are formed. The CSA constitution establishes slavery into new states and territories. -
Fort Sumter
The Confederate army attacks Fort Sumter. This marks the first military engagement in the war. The war lasts 2 days and the Fort eventually surrenders. -
First battle of Bull Run
The first battle of Bull Run. Also known as the first battle of Manassas. This takes place in Northern Virginia and this is a confederate victory. -
Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack
This is a battle between warships. The Merrimack fought with the Union Monitor. The Union navy blockades 3500 miles of confederate coastline and the confederates run the blockade. -
Shiloh
A battle in Southeastern Tennessee. Union troops win the battle and are able to drive the Confederate soldiers. Both sides are immobilized for weeks following because of the immense amount of casualties. -
The battle at Antietam
A union victory fought in Maryland. This was the bloodiest day of the war, both sides losing over 10,000 soldiers. Lincoln shifts his focus from winning the war, to freeing slaves in the confederacy. -
Emancipation proclamation
Lincoln addresses the Emancipation Proclamation, which free slaves. This also allowed black people to serve in the union. -
Vicksburg Missisipi
A stronghold in Vicksburg is attacked by the union. The confederates surrender on July 4th. The victory leaves the missisipi River under union control. -
Battle of Gettysburg
A battle fought in Gettysburg, Pennsylavnaia. This is a battle over 3 days. This is a major turning point for the union, Lee withdraws and the remainder of the war is fought from a defensive. -
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
President Lincoln is shot in a theater in Washington DC. The president dies on April 15th. The death of Linclon makes reconciliation difficult between the southern and northern states. -
Surrender
General Lee is surrounded by troops in Virginia. He surrenders to Grant. -
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is captured. Sherman adopts a strategy of "total war". His troops destroy crops, supplies, railroads, bridges, and small industries.