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South Carolina votes to secede from the Union.
South Carolina leaves the Union because of growing controversy over the expansion of slavery. -
Lincolns first inaugural address
In this speech, Lincoln promised not to interfere with the institution of slavery where it existed, he pledged to suspend the activities of the federal government in areas of hostility. He also took a firm stand against secession. -
Confederate army fires on Ft.Sumter
The attack began when President Lincoln planned to resupply the fort. The Confederates, seeing this as an attack opened fire on the fort. This event caused many other states to secede to the confederacy. -
President Lincoln suspends Habeas Corpus
Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia to give military authorities the necessary power to silence dissenters and rebels. Under this order, commanders could arrest and detain individuals who were deemed threatening to military operations. -
Richmond becomes the capital of the Confederacy
The Confederates choose Richmond as the Capitol of the Confederacy. -
First Battle of Bull Run
Also known as the Battle of Manassas by the Confederates was the first battle of the Civil War. It was fought just south of the Union Capitol, Washing ton DC. Confederate victory -
John Davis elected President of the Confederacy
He was elected to be the first president of the Confederacy. -
The CSS Merrimack and the USS Monitor engage each other
Also known as the Battle of Hampton roads was the first naval engagement that saw the use of "Ironclads". They were big armored ships with powerful guns. The battle was a draw. -
The Battle of Shiloh
This battle was important because it allowed General Grant to begin a massive operation near the Mississippi river. Union victory -
Robert E Lee is named Commander of the Virginia Army.
Lee took command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June 1862 during the Peninsula Campaign following the wounding of Joseph E. Johnston. -
The Battle of Antietam
Also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg was a decisive battle. The Union victory allowed Lincoln to present his Emancipation Proclamation. -
The Battle of Fredericksburg
Fought in and around Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was an important battle because of the river that flew through the city. Confederate victory. -
President Lincoln gives his Emancipation Proclamation
President Lincoln issued the Proclamation as the nation approached its third year of a bloody Civil War. He stated that "All persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are henceforward shall be free" -
The Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville was a significant battle because it was a major victory for Lee and the Confederacy lost Stonewall Jackson. Confederate Victory. -
The Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was an important battle to the Union, after a string of defeats moral was low and they needed a victory and a morale boost. It also stopped the Souths future invasion of the North. -
Confederates surrender at Vicksburg
On July 4, 1863, Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton surrendered the city of Vicksburg and the Confederate garrison defending it to Major General Ulysses S. Grant -
New York City draft riots
The citizens of Manhattan protested the forced draft. Many citizens felt they were fighting for slaves. -
Lincoln gives his Gettysburg Address
The main purpose of the speech was to dedicate a plot to the soldiers and civilians. Lincoln needed a morale boost and to inspire the troops -
Abraham Lincoln defeats George McClellan
Abraham Lincoln beats George McClellan and runs his second term. -
The Union captures Atlanta
Also known as the Battle of Atlanta was part of the Atlanta campaign led by General Sherman. -
Sherman begins his March to the Sea
General Sherman's scorched-earth March to the Sea campaign begins. On November 15, 1864, Union General William T. Sherman begins his expedition across Georgia by torching the industrial section of Atlanta and pulling away from his supply lines. -
Congress passes the 13th Amendment
13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. -
Freedmen's Bureau is created
On March 3, 1865, Congress passed “An Act to establish a Bureau for the Relief of Freedmen and Refugees” to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical services, and land to displaced Southerners, including newly freed African Americans. -
Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
With Malice Toward None...": Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. President Lincoln (center at the podium) giving his Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865 (Library of Congress) In his Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865, a re-elected President Abraham Lincoln wanted to unify a broken nation -
Richmond falls to the Union Army
The Rebel capital of Richmond, Virginia, falls to the Union, the most significant sign that the Confederacy is nearing its final days -
Robert E. Lee surrenders at Appomattox
In Appomattox, Virginia, on April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee surrenders his 28,000 Confederate troops to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War. -
President Lincoln is assassinated
As the war came to an end a Southern sympathizer who believed the South can survive, assassinated Lincoln in the Fords theater. His name was John Wilkes Booth. -
John Wilkes Booth is killed
He was killed when Union soldiers that were following him finally caught up to him on a Virginia farm. He was one of the most famous actors at the time.