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The First Battle of Bull Run
Three months after Ft. Sumter The First Battle of Bull Run took place after, Union and Confederate troops engaged in a battle near Manassas,Virginia. Both sides believed that the war wouldn't last long. A Union troop of 35,000 marched to Washington D.C's Federal capital to fight with a 20,000 Confederate troop along the Bull Run river. The Confederate troops overpowered the Union troops forcing them to retreat. Northerners were shocked by this loss and prepared for a more serious battle. -
Battle of Antietam
On September 17, 1862 this battle took place. Confederate General Lee made an attempt to invade the North against Union General McClellan, to push into the Border States and try and defeat the Union on their own land. All of Lee's troops were worn-out, hungry, and sick, which forced him to retreat. Although this battle was a victory for the Union, it was also the perfect opportunity for Lincoln to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. The war was now based on a new focus point "slavery". -
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg lasted from May 22, 1863 - July 4, 1863. Union General Grant and his forces attempted to capture the Confederate fort at Vicksburg, for a key military strategic position. Lincoln knew that Vicksburg was "key" to closing the war, because of its significant position above the Mississippi River. The capturing of Vicksburg would cut off the Trans-Mississippi Confederacy from East of the Mississippi, and open up the river entirely to Northern control. This was a Union victory. -
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in a Union Victory. On July 1, the North nor South army was at a full force strength. The South had a better reinforcement and the Union had to fall back. On July 2, Lee made a good attack against Northern troops but was driven back at Cemetery Ridge. On July 3, Lee attempted to attack Union force at the very center, this attack made the Union fight back quicker than Lee anticipated. Lincoln ordered Union General Meade to pursue Confederate forces. -
Battle of Petersburg
The battle of Pertersburg was a series of battles around the cities of Richmond in Petersburg,Virginia. Grant made an unsuccessful attempt to attack the city of Pertersburg. Union troops dug trenches around Richmond cities, because it was a major supply hub to the Confederate Army led by Lee. Lee retreated the city in 1865, and surrendered at Appomattox Court House. This surrender led to the Confederates surrendering fully. This battle was a Union victory.
