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Fort Sumter
This battle was significant because it marked the start of the Civil War. A month after Lincoln took office, the Confederate army fired first at Fort Sumter, located in Charlestown, South Carolina. Fort Sumter was a Union-held fort until the Confederates took it over during this battle. https://www.craftedcharlestontours.com/learn/blog/57-5-facts-about-the-battle-of-fort-sumter (Used for picture) https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history (Used for source) -
Bull Run 1
The first battle of Bull Run was significant because it ruined the Union's hope of this war being quick. In this battle Confederate soldiers pushed the union's army to Washington D.C.. The Union needed to call for 50,000 more soldiers, and the Confederate side needed a bigger army. This told both sides that this war would be a long one.
https://www.thoughtco.com/first-battle-of-bull-run-2360940 (For Picture)
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history (For Info) -
Battle of the Ironclads
The Battle of the Ironclads was an important battle because it started a new era of underwater warfare. The Unions ship, the Monitor ,and the Confederacy's ship, Virginia, and fought for several hours. Both sides shot at each other, but the metal exterior deflected, and neither side won. https://www.nps.gov/articles/battle-of-the-ironclads.htm (Used for picture and information) -
The Battle of Shiloh
The reason the Battle of Shiloh is significant is because there were 24,000 total casualties. The Confederacy attacked first, and they ended up taking control on the first day. The second day, on April 7, the Union pushed the Confederacy back to their original lines. Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston also ended up dying during this battle. https://www.historyonthenet.com/battle-of-shiloh-6-7-april-1862 -
The Second Battle of Bull Run
The Second Battle of Bull Run was important because it was the first confederate invasion of the Union. Union troops lead by John Pope met Jackson's troops in Manassas Virginia. The Confederacy won this battle, even though the Union attacked first. The battle ended with major casualties.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/second-battle-of-bull-run
https://springfieldmuseums.org/collections/item/the-second-battle-of-bull-run-fought-aug-29th-1862-currier-ives/ -
The Battle of Antietam
This Battle of Antietam was important because it pushed the Confederacy to Virginia instead of advancing to Maryland. Union forces outnumbered the Confederate forces, leading them to a victory. There were about 23,000 casualties and even though the Union won, slaves weren't freed.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-antietam
https://www.thecollector.com/who-won-battle-of-antietam/ -
The Battle of Fredericksburg
The battle of Fredericksburg was important for the Confederacy because it boosted their morale after the earlier defeat at Antietam. This war didn't go well for the Union, with over 13,000 casualties, Lincoln pressured the troops and changed commanders. This was good for the Confederacy, because they were able to win with under 5,000 casualties.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-fredericksburg -
The Battle of Chancellorsville
This is significant because it is the battle that 'Stonewall' Jackson died in. This battle was interesting because 115,000 people fought for the Union, and only 60,000 people for the Confederacy. Even though the Union had a big advantage, the Confederacy still took the victory. Lee split up his troops into three parts and outsmarted Hooker, making him retreat.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-chancellorsville -
The Battle of Brandy Station
This Battle was important because it was the battle with the biggest use of cavalry. This battle had the Confederates' goal of invading part of the North, but the Union had a strong defense. In the end, neither side won the war, and during this, Confederate soldiers were moving up to Gettysburg.
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/brandy-station
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/brandy-station -
The Battle of Gettysburg
This battle was important because it was considered a turning point in the war, and it was the bloodiest battle with over 50,000 casualties. The turning point was when the South saw any possibility of taking control of the North slip away. The goal of this battle was for the Confederacy and they wanted to isolate a Union army and win. In the end, though, the Union ended up winning.
https://www.historyonthenet.com/battle-of-gettysburg-civil-war-1863 -
The Vicksburg Campaign
This Battle was significant because it gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. During these 47 days, the Union planned on taking control of Vicksburg and the Mississippi. About 77,000 Union troops went against the 30,000 Confederate troops. The Union inevitably won after the Confederate Surrender.
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/vicksburg
https://www.historyonthenet.com/vicksburg-campaign-civil-war-1863 -
Sherman’s March to the Sea
This event was important because it led to the loss of Confederate troops. The Union army led 60,000 soldiers on a march in Georgia to scare people out of supporting the Confederacy. On the way to Savannah Georgia, they raided and stole from people who lived there. This resulted in more Union power in the south.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/shermans-march -
Battle of Appomattox Court House
This battle was one of the most significant battles in the Civil War because it marked the end of the war. It was fought in Virginia and ended with General Robert Lee surrendering to General Ulysses Grant. The battle began with the Confederacy going to Virginia in a last effort to try and regain some power. It was a promising start for them, but they ended up being overpowered.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/appomattox-court-house