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Fugitive Slave Act
Allowed for the capture and return of runaway slaves in the United States. Authorized local governments to seize and return escaped slaves to their owners and imposed penalties on anyone who aided in their flight. -
Dred Scott Decision
Dred Scott vs. Sandford; was a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on US labor law and constitutional law. -
Lincoln is elected President
Although he won the electoral college, his lack of popularity through the South is an indication of the problems he would face with a divided nation. -
South Carolina secedes
After news of Lincoln's election, SC secedes from the union -
Fort Henry and Donelson
Gen. Grant captures these 2 forts on the TN river. Confederates forced out of Kentucky and yield much of Tennessee. -
Confederacy is Formed
Seven southern states form the confederacy, write their own constitution, and plan for an independent nation -
Attack on Ft. Sumter
Attacked by the confederate army in SC, union fought back. Event that started the civil war. -
Bull Run is First Official Battle
Norths 30,000 men falls to the Souths 22,000 men. South is victorious as Union troops flee back to Washington in disarray. -
Battle of Antietam
Lee's heavily outnumbered confederate army takes on McClellan's in one of the bloodiest battles of the war, resulting in over 20,000 casualties. Lee and the confederate army retreat back to Virginia. -
Emancipation Proclamation is Signed and Put into Effect
With victory at Antietam, President Lincoln announces that all slaves in the rebelling states would be free. Also forces European nations to recognize that choosing sides in the Civil War is to take a stand on slavery. -
Battle of Fredericksburg
General Burnside of the Union army attacks General Lee and the confederacy at Lee's already fortified position. Union army suffers 10,000 casualties as confederate army wins. -
Battle of Gettysburg
Over 165,000 soldiers participate in largest Battle in Western Hemisphere. After 3 days of fighting, Lee retreats, leaving 4,000 dead confederates and the Union to another major battle won -
Underground Railroad
A network of secret routes and safe houses established by the United States during the early-to-mid 19th century. Used by African American slaves as an escape route to get away from their slave owners. -
Lee and the confederate army surrender
Refusing to see his troops suffer any further, he surrenders to General Grant at Appomattox court house. Southern troops are given generous terms of surrender. -
Reconstruction Acts
Congress divides the former Confederacy into five military districts and requires elections in which African American men can vote.
