Civil war Timeline (only 1861 to 1862)

The South Cecedes

Dec 20, 1860

When Abraham Lincoln was elected Pres the south seceded. The south thinks of Abraham as a threat to slavery. South Carolina secedes from the Union followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas.

The south Elect a President

Feb 9, 1861

The Confederate States of America elect a President. They elect Jefferson Davis who Graduated from West Point and was a former U.S. army Officer.

Abraham Lincoln sworn in as President

Mar 4, 1861

Abraham Lincoln is sworn in as 16th President. He will help guide the United Nations threw the war. He is a large threat to slavery.

Fort Sumter Attacked

Apr 12, 1861

At 4:30 a.m. Pierre Beauregard attacks Fort Sumter with 50 cannons. Fort Sumter is bombarded with over 3000 cannon shells and is captured the next day. This strikes the beginning of the civil war.

Virginia Secedes

Apr 17, 1861

Virginia secedes from the union as do Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. This bring the south to 11 states and a population of 9 million. The union will soon have 21 states and a population of 21 million.

Blockade

Apr 19, 1861

Lincoln issues a Blockade against Southern ports. The blockade limits the South to stay well supplied. The blockade will last for the duration of the war and will greatly inhibit the souths power.

Bull run

Jul 21, 1861

Irvin McDowell suffers a defeat at Bull Run. Thomas Jackson earns the nickname Stonewall. Union troops fall back to Washington.

General War Order 1

Jan 31, 1862

Lincoln orders all United States naval and land forces to begin an advance. Lincoln was convinced General McClellan did not have an attack plan so he used the war order to push him into action. The date issued for the order was George Washingtons birthday witch gave it more significance.

Ironclads

Mar 8, 1862

Ironclad Merrimac sinks two wooden Union ships. It also fights the Union Ironclad Monitor to a draw. This changes Naval warfare forever making wooden ships obsolete.

Confederate Surprise Attack

Apr 6, 1862

Confederate surprise attack on Ulysses Grants at Shiloh results loss of 13,000 Union soldiers and 10,000 Confederates. More men than in all previous American wars combined. The president is then pressured to fire Grant but resists.

The Battle of Seven Pines

May 31, 1862

Joseph Johnston's Army attacks McClellan's troops in front of Richmond. He nearly defeats them but Jesoph is badly wounded. Joseph will be replaced by Robert E. Lee later on.

The bloodiest day in the War

Sep 17, 1862

Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Armies are stopped at Antietam. Lee then withdraws to Virginia.